Drop in EU migration 'major cause for concern' during engineering skills crisis
发布时间：2024年6月4日 15:10
460
(Credit: Shutterstock)
Another drop in EU migration to the UK is a “major cause for concern” as engineering grapples with a serious skills gap, manufacturers’ organisation the EEF has said.
Another drop in EU migration to the UK is a “major cause for concern” as engineering grapples with a serious skills gap, manufacturers’ organisation the EEF has said.
Figures released by the Office for National Statistics today show that EU migration is at its lowest level since 2012, following a peak in the year ending June 2016, the month of the UK’s EU referendum.
Net EU migration to the UK was 87,000 in the year ending March 2018, while the total figure accounting for people from around the world was 270,000, “broadly stable” after peak levels in 2015 and 2016.
Figures estimating the annual shortfall of engineers in the UK vary, but Engineering UK previously put it at 69,000. Dr Hayaatun Sillem, chief executive of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said estimates show a need for up to 56,000 annually.
Tim Thomas, EEF director of employment and skills policy, said: “With manufacturers continuing to face recruitment challenges and a yawning skills gap, today’s figures, showing another drop in EU citizens coming to the UK to work, is a major cause for concern.
“It’s clear that the continuing uncertainty over the UK’s post-Brexit future is the main driver for today’s numbers, uncertainty which shows no sign of abating and every chance of intensifying. Businesses and EU citizens alike remain in the dark about what a post-Brexit migration system will look like, with the long-awaited Immigration white paper yet to appear.
“Government must act quickly and decisively, providing clarity and transparency on its post-Brexit approach to EU citizens and their families – without this, EU citizens will see the UK as a risk not worth taking.”
Nicola Rogers from the Office for National Statistics' Centre for Migration said: “Much of the recent fall is in people from the western European countries that make up the 'EU15' group coming to the UK for a definite job. Previously we had seen a decline in the number of EU citizens coming who were looking for work; however, this seems to have stabilised.”
The EEF also announced a "Brexit hotline" on for businesses to call for expert advice, after the publication of the first technical notes on what to expect after the UK leaves the EU. The hotline aims to "debunk" the government-published notices, clarifying the potential impact of a 'no deal' Brexit.
To use the hotline, call 0808 168 5874.
Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
Net EU migration to the UK was 87,000 in the year ending March 2018, while the total figure accounting for people from around the world was 270,000, “broadly stable” after peak levels in 2015 and 2016.
Figures estimating the annual shortfall of engineers in the UK vary, but Engineering UK previously put it at 69,000. Dr Hayaatun Sillem, chief executive of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said estimates show a need for up to 56,000 annually.
Tim Thomas, EEF director of employment and skills policy, said: “With manufacturers continuing to face recruitment challenges and a yawning skills gap, today’s figures, showing another drop in EU citizens coming to the UK to work, is a major cause for concern.
“It’s clear that the continuing uncertainty over the UK’s post-Brexit future is the main driver for today’s numbers, uncertainty which shows no sign of abating and every chance of intensifying. Businesses and EU citizens alike remain in the dark about what a post-Brexit migration system will look like, with the long-awaited Immigration white paper yet to appear.
“Government must act quickly and decisively, providing clarity and transparency on its post-Brexit approach to EU citizens and their families – without this, EU citizens will see the UK as a risk not worth taking.”
Nicola Rogers from the Office for National Statistics' Centre for Migration said: “Much of the recent fall is in people from the western European countries that make up the 'EU15' group coming to the UK for a definite job. Previously we had seen a decline in the number of EU citizens coming who were looking for work; however, this seems to have stabilised.”
The EEF also announced a "Brexit hotline" on for businesses to call for expert advice, after the publication of the first technical notes on what to expect after the UK leaves the EU. The hotline aims to "debunk" the government-published notices, clarifying the potential impact of a 'no deal' Brexit.
To use the hotline, call 0808 168 5874.
Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
Share:
Read more related articles
Government and policy Manufacturing
Read more related articles
Government and policy Manufacturing
