Concern as migrant worker numbers continue to fall

Latest migration statistics data from the Office for National Statistics has shown the number of EU citizens coming to work in the UK is continuing to fall.

Over the past year, there has been a decrease of 24,000 in the number of EU citizens coming to the UK with a definite job in place.

Commenting on the figures, Liz Cameron, chief executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce said: “The latest migration statistics further emphasise the pressing need for Government to take urgent action to address the uncertainty and decline of this critical talent pool.

“Quarterly and annual falls in the number of workers coming to the UK from the EU seeking a permanent job, specifically across the EU15 and the EU8, will continue to exacerbate the record skills shortages that have been worsening over the past year. A fall in the number of workers coming from the EU seeking speculative work, particularly from the EU8, is generating additional pressure on the ability of Scottish firms to employ vital workers.

“Scotland’s world-leading sectors need to see a pro-active Government working to urgently reverse this decline and to put in place contingency plans to limit any damage to business. The private sector in Scotland is playing its part by investing in training of existing staff and supporting initiatives such as Developing the Young Workforce, it’s time the UK Government plays its role too.

“Our expectations are clear and we will look for the Immigration White Paper to address these concerns urgently.”