Since the UK’s decision to leave the European Union in 2016, many have speculated that the country’s departure from the EU would lead to a significant decrease in the number of immigrants coming to the UK. However, recent data shows that this has not been the case. In fact, the number of immigrants coming to the UK has actually increased since the Brexit vote. According to an article in The Times, immigration to the UK has risen by more than 50% since the Brexit referendum. The article cites several reasons for this increase in immigration, including a weak pound, a strong UK economy, and a growing demand for skilled workers in certain sectors.
Record-high net migration to the UK
Despite concerns over a shrinking workforce and the negative impact on growth, inflation and businesses, the UK is currently experiencing a record-high net migration of more than half a million people. While this is partly due to unique circumstances, such as an increase in student numbers, arrivals from Ukraine and Hong Kong, and a post-pandemic rebound in cross-border movement, it is also because employers are making greater use of the new post-Brexit migration system introduced in January 2021.
New post-Brexit migration system: boon for employers?
Under the new regime, employers are making use of the new, post-Brexit migration system introduced in January 2021, which has made it harder to hire from the EU, but in many cases easier to recruit workers from other countries. People coming through the main skilled worker route must have a job offer from an employer with a sponsor licence, usually on a salary of at least £25,600. Fees levied by the Home Office are high, but the salary threshold is lower than it was before Brexit, and middle-skilled trades have become eligible for visas as well as graduate jobs. There is no cap on numbers.
Pressure on the UK labour market
The UK has been experiencing pressure on the labour market due to ill health, early retirement, and population ageing, which have all contributed to a smaller workforce. This has left businesses in many sectors struggling to fill vacancies.
A further significant impact has been the decrease in the number of EU nationals coming to work in the UK. This decrease in migration has affected the availability of workers in some industries and regions, leading to labor shortages in certain sectors such as hospitality, agriculture, and healthcare.
Exclusion of lower-paid jobs from the visa system
One of the major changes in the new migration system is the exclusion of lower-paid jobs. Sectors such as logistics and manufacturing, which had previously hired freely from the EU, are now struggling the most with hiring.
The UK visa system has historically been structured to prioritise the admission of highly skilled workers who can contribute to the country’s economy and fill skills gaps in various sectors. In 2021, the UK government introduced changes to the visa system that excluded lower-paid jobs from the skilled worker route. This means that workers in jobs that pay below a certain salary threshold are not eligible to apply for a visa under this category.
The salary threshold for skilled worker visas is currently set at £25,600 per year, although there are some exceptions for certain shortage occupations, such as nursing and teaching. Jobs that pay below this threshold, such as many retail or hospitality roles, are not considered “skilled” under the visa system and are therefore excluded from the skilled worker route.
This policy change is aimed at prioritising the admission of workers with high levels of skill and experience, and is part of the UK government’s broader effort to reshape the country’s immigration system after Brexit. However, it has been criticised by some for potentially exacerbating labor shortages in sectors that rely on low-paid workers, and for contributing to the exploitation of vulnerable workers who may not have access to legal protections or adequate working conditions.
This can change swiftly when particular roles are added to a list of “shortage” occupations with lower requirements for skill and salary.
Business lobbying for more jobs to be added to the shortage list
Businesses have been lobbying ministers hard to add more roles to the shortage list, or to open new sectoral schemes of the kind already running in agriculture. The CBI (Confederation of British Industry), the employers’ organisation, argues that this is urgently needed to “bridge the gap” until other policies to boost the domestic workforce bear fruit.
However, economists caution that migration should not be seen as a panacea to labour shortages. While a bigger workforce leads to a bigger economy, it does not necessarily make much difference to per capita GDP. Moreover, such a rapid increase in migrant workers and students may “crowd out” the UK’s capacity to take a more humane approach to other migrants, such as refugees.
You may see the recently updated shortage occupation list here.
Why Instruct Our Specialist Immigration Solicitors?
At DJF Solicitors, our team of specialist immigration lawyers will always act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meetings, we will be able to advise you in respect of your prospects of submitting a visa application before your application even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of a visa application and are able to advise you in respect of your prospects and to ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation to discuss your visa application.
Contact Us
For professional guidance on UK visit visa refusals and assistance with your application, contact our immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.