Mark Whitehead 26 May 2017

Social care could be ‘hit hard’ by Brexit, warn think tank

The social care sector is among those which could be hard hit by an exodus of EU workers unless they are given an assurance they will be able to stay in the country after Brexit, a leading think tank has warned.

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) says a sharp fall in immigration revealed by the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) could mean employers will not have time to invest in new skills and automation.

The ONS says long-term net migration to the UK last year fell to 248,000 compared with 332,000 in 2015, driven largely by a fall in net migration of EU citizens particularly from Eastern Europe.

In its report Striking the right deal: UK-EU migration and the Brexit negotiations, the IPPR says EU nationals play a key role in certain sectors of the economy, including 80,000 in social care and 60,000 in the NHS.

Other sectors which could be badly hit include hotels and restaurants where 16% of the workforce are EU nationals, manufacturing (10%), and agriculture (9%).

The IPPR calls for an immigration policy that ‘meets the needs of the economy and the concerns of the public’ when Britain leaves the EU.

Marley Morris, IPPR’s senior research fellow for Brexit said yesterday: ‘We need a properly managed migration policy for post-Brexit Britain that meets the needs of the economy and the concerns of the public.

‘But if skilled EU workers are leaving the UK now because their future in the UK is uncertain, we could face a labour market crunch.

‘Moreover, a sharp fall in migration now won’t give employers the time to adapt by investing in skills or automation.’

For more on the social care workforce crisis visit here.

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Standards, Compliance and Development Manager - Children’s residential provisions

Oxfordshire County Council
£57187.00 - £60485.00
This role will lead on Quality Assurance, Standards development, and Regulatory compliance for Oxfordshire’s residential children’s provision, including the unregulated reforms 2022. The post holder will conduct internal inspections within the registe Countywide
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Streetcare LGV Driver / Operative - WMF2112e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£27,711 - £28,624
Westmorland and Furness Council are seeking to employ an enthusiastic and motivated person into a Street Cleansing role Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Specialist Communication Support Worker (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 7, £27,259 - £29,955 (pay award pending)
The City of Doncaster Council puts improving the life of its residents at the centre of everything we do. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Apprentice Social Value

Durham County Council
£14,566
Earn. Learn. Qualify.   Do you want to earn while you learn, with the chance of progression once you qualify? Do you want the opportunity to grow, dev Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Pay Reward and Employment Services Support Officers

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) Pay Award Pending
An exciting opportunity has arisen for ten Pay, Reward & Employment Services Support Officers to join our CIPP accredited team.   WHAT IS INVOLVED?  Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner