The intersection of migration policy, public opinions and economic reality has become one of the most pressing challenges for successive UK governments. A challenging labour market and falling net migration have exposed businesses to recruitment blockages, escalating labour costs and mismatch between the skills needed and those available.
This roundtable, held under the Chatham House Rule, aims to bring together employer bodies and employers, policy makers and academics to share on-the-ground insights and bridge the gap between economic and migration policies and employers' experiences. Our aim is to analyse current trends and discuss policy solutions. The discussion will be structured around two inter-connected themes:
Reductions in Net Migration and the Employer Experience
Drawing on recent research from the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, this session will examine the macroeconomic implications of falling net migration numbers. It will address the core question "How are these policy shifts being experienced on the ground, and what tangible impacts are they having on employer recruitment and retention strategies?"
Public Attitudes vs. Economic Growth
Utilising the latest insights from British Future’s Immigration Attitudes Tracker, we will explore what the public really thinks about immigration for work. It will address the following question "Does the government actually have more public support than it realises to loosen specific restrictions, particularly where they directly impact economic growth?"
The roundtable will conclude with a summary of the outcomes, with attendees asked to identify exactly which policy interventions are most urgently needed to align economic growth with sustainable migration management.
Please note attendance at this roundtable is strictly by invitation only.
Related Pillar
