Based on a study in Bristol - one of the most economically successful regional cities - the report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) says that economic success is at risk because future skilled migration would be curtailed if proposals in the Immigration White Paper were adopted as they currently stand.

Government's immigration proposals put Bristol's economy at risk

"The government’s proposals for ending freedom of movement after Brexit put Bristol and the West of England’s economy at risk," says the IPPR. "Skills and salary thresholds proposed in the 2018 immigration white paper would severely limit future inward migration and hamper growth in crucial parts of the local economy."The report describes Bristol as an economic success story with a number of flourishing high-skilled, high-growth industries such as advanced engineering, aerospace, digital and creative industries.Marley Morris, IPPR associate director, said, “Bristol is an important case study for understanding the consequences of the government’s immigration proposals across the country."Despite its high skills base, our research finds that it will be hit hard by the government’s proposed reforms. Growth in critical sectors – ranging from aerospace to the creative industries to social care – could be seriously curtailed."Employers are unprepared for the new rules and are sounding the alarm about skills shortages. The government needs to urgently take on board these local concerns as it develops its proposals for an Australian-style immigration system.”

Bristol's employers rely on recruiting EU citizens

The report says that, over the past decade, the number of EU27 migrants in Bristol has risen and that they now make up 16% of the city’s population, working across all industries.IPPR found that many key employers rely on recruiting EU citizens without impediment, particularly given the city’s high employment rate of 77.6%.The report calls on the Home Office to lower the proposed £30,000 salary threshold and to provide exemptions for critical sectors to support regional industrial strategies.It also says the government should provide a forum for local and combined authorities to enable them to have a direct input into immigration policy making, with a formalised process for local areas to determine variations in the immigration system depending on local needs.Additionally, the IPPR wants to see better employment practices encouraged by providing visa benefits to employers who pay the Real Living Wage.On a local level, the report urges more support for existing residents to fill skills shortages in the local economy by enhancing careers and skills provision, and encouraging labour market integration for existing migrants.Marvin Rees, the mayor of Bristol, said, “This report highlights the ongoing failure of national government to meaningfully engage with cities on Brexit and the future of the immigration system."Our EU residents are a huge asset to Bristol, and we need a system that enables them to continue to contribute to our future success. Instead, what has been proposed would severely undercut our ability to deliver inclusive economic growth, a key theme of our Local Industrial Strategy and our One City Plan.”

For more news and views, visit our dedicated Brexit section.

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