The UK migration crisis and labour markets

Assignment Brief

What the Assignment Is Asking You to Do

In this assignment, you are expected to explore and explain the relationship between the UK’s migration crisis and its labour market. You should show how changes in immigration (especially during times of crisis) affect jobs, workers, and the overall economy.

You are also expected to think critically about government policy, public opinion, and economic needs in the UK when it comes to migration and employment.

What You Should Do in Your Assignment:

1. Define Key Terms

• Start by explaining what is meant by a “migration crisis” in the UK context.

• Define what the “labour market” is – i.e., how jobs are created, filled, and affected by changes in the number of available workers.

2. Describe the Current Situation

• Talk about recent migration trends to the UK – for example, increases in asylum seekers, refugees, or EU/non-EU migrants.

• Mention any events that may have contributed to the crisis, such as Brexit, conflicts abroad, or economic instability.

3. Explain How Migration Affects the Labour Market

• Discuss how migrants can help fill labour shortages, especially in sectors like:

  • Health and social care

  • Agriculture

  • Construction

  • Hospitality

• Also discuss public concerns, such as pressure on wages or jobs.

• Mention both the positive and negative impacts of migration on the UK workforce and economy.

4. Analyse Government Response

• Discuss what the UK government has done in response to migration and labour shortages.

  • New visa schemes?

  • Restrictions on freedom of movement?

  • Policy changes after Brexit?

• Explain whether these responses have helped or caused more issues.

Sample Answer

The UK’s Migration Crisis and Its Labour Market: Understanding the Connection

1. Introduction and Definitions

In recent years, the United Kingdom has experienced what is often described as a “migration crisis.” This term refers to a sudden rise or ongoing challenge in managing large numbers of people moving to the UK, either to seek safety (like asylum seekers or refugees) or to look for work and better opportunities. A “crisis” suggests that the systems in place – such as immigration controls, housing, and job markets – are under pressure.

The labour market is the system through which jobs are offered and filled. It includes employers (who offer jobs), workers (who need jobs), and the government (which creates rules and policies). When migration levels rise or fall suddenly, the labour market can be affected – sometimes positively and sometimes negatively.

2. The Current Migration Situation in the UK

Migration to the UK has changed a lot in the last decade. Some key moments include:

• Brexit (2016): When the UK voted to leave the European Union, it also left behind freedom of movement, which allowed EU citizens to live and work freely in the UK.

• Conflicts abroad: Wars and political crises in countries like Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine have led to more refugees and asylum seekers coming to the UK.

• Global economic issues: Inflation, unemployment, and poverty in other countries have pushed people to move to the UK in search of a better life.

In 2022 and 2023, net migration to the UK reached record highs. Much of this migration came from non-EU countries, including students, health workers, and people seeking asylum. The UK’s system has struggled to deal with this rapid increase – leading to delays in visa processing, pressure on housing, and growing political debate.

3. How Migration Affects the Labour Market

Filling Labour Shortages

Migrants often help fill job gaps in key industries such as:

• Health and Social Care: The NHS depends heavily on migrant workers, especially nurses and care assistants.

• Agriculture: Many seasonal workers who harvest crops come from abroad.

• Construction: Migrants provide much of the workforce for building projects.

• Hospitality: Jobs in hotels, restaurants, and catering often rely on migrant labour.

These sectors have had a hard time finding enough UK-born workers, especially after Brexit. Many EU workers left the UK, and fewer have come back under the new visa rules.

Concerns About Migration

However, migration is not without concerns. Some people believe that migrants:

• Compete with locals for jobs

• Put pressure on wages (especially in low-skill jobs)

• Overload public services (like schools and the NHS)

Still, research shows that migrants often take jobs that are hard to fill, and they also pay taxes and contribute to the economy.

Positive and Negative Impacts

Positive Impacts:

• Help reduce labour shortages

• Increase economic productivity

• Bring skills and cultural diversity

• Support public services through work and taxes

Negative Impacts:

• Can add pressure to housing and services

• Might increase job competition in some sectors

• Can create tension in communities if not managed well

4. Government Response and Policies

The UK government has made several changes in response to both rising migration and labour shortages.

After Brexit:

• End of EU free movement: EU citizens now need a visa to work in the UK.

• Points-based immigration system: Introduced to attract skilled workers from anywhere in the world.

• Health and Care Worker Visa: A new visa route to help recruit doctors, nurses, and care workers.

Addressing Labour Gaps:

• Shortage Occupation List: Jobs in high demand (like welders or care workers) are listed here, allowing for easier visa access.

• Seasonal Worker Scheme: Temporary visas for farm workers – although numbers are limited.

Issues with Current Policies:

• Many businesses, especially in hospitality and farming, say the visa rules are still too strict and expensive.

• The asylum system is under pressure, with long waiting times and limited support for refugees.

• There’s also growing public debate over illegal migration and the government’s Rwanda deportation policy.

Continued...