Today’s new figures
Net migration in the year to last September was the highest for 5 years at 242,000, up 96,000 on the previous year. This is close to the record level of 260,000 set in the year to June 2005.
British emigration was unchanged from last year at 43,000 but was still low compared to pre-recession levels.
Net EU migration increased by 40,000 but still represented only 25% of net foreign immigration. Net non EU migration rose by 54,000 to 215,000.
Reasons for Migration
Immigration for formal study has trebled over the last decade. In the year to September 2010 about 241,000 gave their main reason as study, an increase of 30% from the previous year.
The number who gave their reason as work related was 190,000, 20% below the peak seen in 2008.
Foreign workers
The number of non UK born workers has increased by 1.7 million over the last decade while the number of UK born workers fell by 223,000.The employment rate of UK born workers has fallen by 2% since the first quarter of 2007 while that of non UK born has increased by 1%.
Comment
Commenting Sir Andrew Green, Chairman of Migration Watch UK said, "This sharp rise in immigration comes as a shock.These figures show just what an enormous task the coalition government has inherited as a result of Labour’s mass immigration policy.Firm measures are now absolutely essential.The impact on British born workers is a particular concern that has been brushed under the carpet for too long.”