| Author (Person) | Redgrave, Harvey |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Tony Blair Institute for Global Change |
| Publication Date | September 2017 |
| Content Type | Report |
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Further information The author's analysis revealed that the majority of EU nationals who come to the UK arrive with a job offer; that most work in jobs that the UK economy needs - indeed certain sectors, such as hotels, restaurants and manufacturing, are heavily dependent on such migration; that EU migration has resulted in some downward pressure on wages, but that the proportion of EU migrants in genuinely low skilled jobs is lower than often assumed; and that whilst the public are anxious about the pace of change, they are more positive about the impact of migration, and more pragmatic about the trade-offs involved in negotiating free movement reform, than often assumed. The report assesses the most plausible policy options facing the UK in seeking to negotiate free movement reform. It recommended that the government seek to negotiate a strengthened ‘emergency brake’ to implement temporary controls on free movement in particular sectors during periods of high EU inflows. This would enable the UK to exercise greater control over immigration, whilst leaving open the option of the UK remaining within the EU, or failing that, as members of the Single Market. Precedents for provisions of this nature can be found in at least four previous EU agreements. The authors also argue that reforming free movement is not enough: dealing with anxiety about immigration must involve a wider set of changes, covering labour market reform, social integration, enforcement against illegal migration and the strengthening of democratic accountability. Finally, should Brexit happen, the least damaging outcome for Britain would be to establish a preferential work permit system, whereby free movement continues for certain categories of people, for instance, highly skilled professionals and students, but is restricted for others, for example, low skilled workers. |
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| Source Link | Link to Main Source http://institute.global/sites/default/files/field_article_attached_file/IGC_EU%20Migration_10.09.17.pdf |
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| Subject Categories | Internal Markets, Justice and Home Affairs |
| Countries / Regions | Europe, United Kingdom |
