Since 2014, four out of five new jobs created in the United Kingdom have been filled by foreign workers, according to research by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) think tank. The analysis, based on pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) data, found that out of 3.7 million new roles added to the workforce, approximately 734,000 were taken by British nationals, while 2.5 million went to migrants from outside the European Union. EU nationals accounted for 408,000 new jobs during this period.
The majority of jobs secured by non-EU migrants were in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and social care, which together comprised two-thirds of these roles. The report highlighted a marked regional variation, noting increases in migrant workers across all parts of the UK, including a rise of over 465,000 in London alone, alongside a decline in British workers in certain regions, including Scotland and the West Midlands.
The report, authored with contributions from former Conservative Cabinet minister and CSJ founder Sir Iain Duncan Smith, emphasized that the issue extends beyond employment to broader economic and social challenges. Duncan Smith argued that successive governments have relied on immigration as an “easy lever” while using welfare policies to mitigate economic decline in specific parts of the country, rather than addressing the underlying causes of regional disparities. He called for welfare reform, immigration policy, and regional development to be addressed as interconnected issues.
The surge in migration, described by the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford as part of a “Boriswave” following Brexit-era policies, saw around 3.4 million people from outside the EU arrive in the UK between 2021 and 2025. The Observatory noted that while migration increases competition for jobs, it can also create new employment opportunities by boosting demand and encouraging employers to expand production, with overall labor market effects that are generally modest.
Amid concerns over the rising welfare bill, which is projected to reach £136 billion for working-age benefits next year—an increase of nearly £50 billion since 2019/20—the government has enacted measures aimed at rebalancing migration and employment. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has taken steps to extend the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain to curb migration growth. The government spokesperson highlighted the introduction of a skills-based migration system designed to prioritize British workers while welcoming high-skilled talent. Additionally, initiatives such as the Youth Guarantee aim to create employment opportunities for young people, alongside a £3.5 billion investment to support disabled individuals and those with long-term health issues in entering the workforce.
Political responses to the findings have varied. Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice criticized both Labour and Conservative governments for adopting an open-border policy and low-wage economic model, pledging to restrict welfare payments to British citizens if elected. Shadow Cabinet Office minister Mike Wood blamed Labour’s economic policies and border control failures for rising unemployment and increased low-skilled migration, arguing the party’s approach worsens competition for jobs. The Conservative Party has committed to capping low-skilled migration and supporting business growth and youth employment.
These findings underscore ongoing debates around immigration, welfare policy, and economic strategy as the UK faces challenges in balancing labor market needs with social and fiscal impacts.