The implementation of the EU free-movement rule has led to a significant rise in EU migrants securing employment in the UK. Shocking figures reflect an increase, particularly among Romanians and Bulgarians, causing widespread discussion.
- ONS reports a 15% year-on-year increase in Romanians and Bulgarians gaining UK work rights.
- More than 150,000 Romanians now hold British jobs, marking a 223% surge since last year.
- Restrictions on Romanian and Bulgarian workers ended, sparking public discontent and media coverage.
- Concerns are growing over the impact on UK employment rates and immigration policies.
The introduction of the EU free-movement rule has resulted in a substantial increase in economic migrants from EU nations, specifically Romania and Bulgaria, obtaining the right to work in the United Kingdom. This development has prompted considerable attention, as the implications of such a policy are far-reaching and significant. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlights a 15% annual increase in Romanians and Bulgarians securing employment rights in Britain. This escalation underscores a growing trend that has caused concern among various sectors in the country.
Notably, the number of Romanian nationals holding job opportunities in the UK has soared to over 150,000, reflecting a dramatic 223% increase compared to the previous year. This sharp rise aligns with the lifting of worker restrictions on Romanians and Bulgarians, granting them the same employment privileges as British citizens.
The changes that took effect on January 1 of the previous year, which removed prior limitations on employment for Romanians and Bulgarians, have not been universally well-received. Public sentiment and media outlets, like the Daily Express, express discontent regarding the influx of workers from these nations, which they argue impacts domestic labour opportunities. A petition reflecting these concerns was brought to Downing Street, endorsed by 150,000 signatories.
The Department of Work and Pensions, tasked with overseeing such immigration figures, acknowledges the legitimate concerns of the British public. A spokesperson commented on the necessity of ensuring that migrants come to the UK for appropriate reasons, while government efforts continue to focus on curbing potential abuses of the system and refining immigration pathways.
Statistics reveal that EU immigrants are securing positions in the UK at a rate tenfold that of native British workers, intensifying the discourse on employment and immigration reform. Janice Atkinson, a UKIP MEP, emphasised that the number of working Bulgarians and Romanians in the UK now surpasses the population of Folkestone and Hythe, portraying the situation as a consequence of bipartisan approaches to border policies.
Employers face a daunting challenge in navigating these changes, particularly in verifying the legal work status of new hires. Increased complexities in unskilled sectors, where qualifications are unnecessary, amplify these challenges. Adrian Lewis from Codel Software pointed out the crucial necessity for employers to ensure compliance with employment regulations to avoid significant penalties. The firm collaborates with specialists to provide their clients with guidance on employment and immigration issues.
The escalating trend of EU economic migration to the UK highlights complex socio-economic challenges that demand careful policy consideration.
