With attitudes to migration continuing to shift,
long-term migration might well be the answer to a skills shortage
fuelled by an ageing population, low fertility rates and the
increased adoption of technology in the workplace.
UK migration
The potential consequences of reduced work migration,
particularly of lower-skilled workers, post-Brexit became very
apparent over the past 12 months as the skills shortages that
emerged during the pandemic became more pronounced and contributed
to: inflationary pressures; a shift in employer/employee bargaining
power; and delays and shortages throughout the economy – from
airports to hospitality and farming.
The government's response has been to create specific work
visa categories for certain jobs, either through the skilled worker
visa or temporary worker visa scheme. Nonetheless, the absence of
EU nationals willing to enter and work in the UK, the limited
numbers permitted entry to date, the costs involved in the
