Migrant workers 'should stay longer'

Posted on 29 August 2008

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The government must do more to encourage migrant workers to remain in the UK for longer, it has been claimed.

According to the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), one million of the economic migrants who came to the UK when the European Union was expanded in 2004 have already returned home.

The result of this, it is claimed, is that local economies are not maximising their growth potential.

IPPR researcher Laura Chappell suggested migrant workers could bring significant benefits to the UK.

She added: "However, many of their contributions – such as new ideas and ways of working, and an entrepreneurial spirit – may have been neglected in the past.

Ms Chappell criticised new immigration restrictions preventing the UK entry of low-skilled migrants from outside the UK, suggesting it would mean a large number of workers who could "add a huge amount to the diversity of an area and local economy" would be lost.

Points-based immigration is being rolled out in the UK during 2008.

Category: Agency News

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