The global dynamics of immigration have gone through significant changes, especially after the Brexit referendum and the COVID-19 pandemic. This essay will examine the complex interaction between these contemporary aspects and their repercussions on recruitment obstacles and homelessness in the U.K. The paper will discuss economic and political facts and illustrate how these forces intricately frame the current socioeconomic environment. The central thesis is that, under the double challenge of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, the confluence of Brexit-induced policy changes and the economic repercussions of the pandemic has intensified recruitment challenges and catalyzed a rise in homelessness within the United Kingdom.
Rationale for Choosing the United Kingdom as a Case Study
The U.K., which has a unique blend of factors, including Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, and significant policy changes, is the best example for this case. Implementing the new points-based immigration system in the United Kingdom represents a considerable development stemming from the Brexit referendum (Portes, 2022). As the referendum approached, immigration became the central issue, with the proponents of leaving the E.U. demanding stringent control of the borders and the reduced number of immigrants (Hayes, 2024). The main issues probing the debate were sovereignty issues, economic effects, and societal integration. By backing Brexit, the results of the referendum paved the way for many major alterations to the immigration policies in the U.K.
In addition to this, the COVID-19 pandemic gave rise to more complexity in immigration in the U.K. Travel restrictions and the lockdown measures imposed to impede the virus’s spread significantly reduced labor mobility and reinforced the emerging challenges associated with the new immigration system. The pandemic highlighted how much the U.K. depends on the overseas workforce, especially in healthcare and agriculture. It sparked the discussion of whether its immigration policy is flexible enough to support the changing economy and society (Lewer et al., 2020). The U.K. has been facing the double issues of Brexit and COVID-19, which are implicit in its formulation of newer migration tactics, whether economic or political.
Why New Immigration Policies Have Led to A Recruitment Crisis and Homelessness
Economic Evidence
Workforce, Skills Shortage, and Immigration Policies
There was a worker shortage problem in the U.K. after Brexit with the new immigration policies (Portes & Springford, 2023). After Brexit, this system, which has been adopted, emphasizes workers with high skill levels, which has a major influence on the labor market dynamics and national productivity. On the one hand, it is clear that the change towards a merit-based immigration system, which consequently means a break of the E.U. freedom of movement rules, is a sign of a drastic change. This situation reduces the labor force potential as it mainly applies to the industry that typically employs migrant workers, like health and hospitality. The growing restrictions on immigration only worsen the existing labor shortage, as shown by the emigration of European workers from the U.K., as evidenced by the Migration Observatory report (Migration Observatory, 2024).
Nevertheless, a strong concentration on attracting highly skilled workers could also solve a long-term productivity issue by providing innovation and much more specialization in high-level industries. Nevertheless, in the short run, the abrupt transition to this system and a lack of appropriate labor force with low-skilled workers create many problems for businesses, mainly in the sectors that demonstrate a high demand for these workers. The dilemma of filling the critical posts of the companies indeed adds a burden to the labor market and depresses the level of economic productivity. Moreover, the relationship between the shortage of the labor force and homelessness underlines the social and economic consequences that immigration policies may have. As competition for jobs intensifies, particularly among low-skilled workers, vulnerable populations face an increased risk of homelessness due to economic instability. The correlation between labor market strains and homelessness highlights the need for comprehensive policy responses to address financial and social disparities.
Political Evidence
Brexit and Policy Shifts
After Brexit, deviating immigration policies have contributed to the recruitment crisis and homelessness in the U.K. (Somerville & Walsh, 2021). Brexit occurred as immigration rules tightened, which could lead to more restrictions on foreign workers. As a result of Brexit, the U.K. implemented a points-based immigration system on January 1, 2021. In summary, the new scheme prioritizes the U.K. economy’s contributions and skills over nationality for fair deals with E.U. and non-EU countries. This system targets highly talented English-speaking professionals who would have received a favorable offer for a position of appropriate skill level. Points are awarded for job offer type, skill level, annual salary minimum, specialty vacancy, and education.
This policy exacerbates the recruitment crisis and unemployment (Crisis U.K., 2020). The solution targets educated workers to address long-term productivity issues but compounds the main problems for industries that use low-skilled E.U. workers. However, leaving the E.U.’s free movement space reduced the number of workers in the labor market, widening the gap in healthcare and hospitality. Due to high competition among job seekers, especially vulnerable groups at risk of homelessness due to economic instability, the labor market suffers (Stewart & Sanders, 2023). The new U.K. immigration policy’s skill-based allocation system prioritizes workers who can boost the economy. To apply, a person must earn 70 points based on specific criteria (Migration Observatory, 2021).
- Job offered by an approved sponsor (20 points): In this case, a job offer (from a UK-authorized migrant worker-employer) is required.
- Job at appropriate skill level (20 points): The final requirement is that the position’s skill level be RQF3 or higher, which is A Level.
- English proficiency (10 points): Speaking English well is crucial, which is the most significant advantage for working with British colleagues.
- Salary thresholds: Using ruins can raise pay. The standard salary is £ 25,600, but shortage-stricken jobs and those with PhDs may pay less (Migration Observatory, 2021).
- Shortage Occupations: Workers who fill the gaps for U.K. jobs with staff shortages receive bonuses.
- Education: Admission points may be awarded for academic qualifications, such as a STEM PhD suitable for the job. This will inspire highly educated and skilled people to work in critical economic sectors.
Public Opinion and National Identity
Immigration was a major factor in Brexit, as U.K. citizens worried about losing sovereignty and identity (Migration Observatory, 2023). To control U.K. immigration after Brexit, new policies were introduced to address current issues. This sparked a national identity movement that was inclusive and multicultural. Some believe stricter immigration controls are needed to protect the U.K.’s internal identity, while others support the inclusion policy to maintain its welcoming image. Stricter immigration control may reduce labor force availability, which is expected to be especially important for sectors that rely on migrant workers. This increases the risk of business recruiting difficulties because companies may struggle to fill critical positions, lowering national productivity. In addition to immigration restrictions, low-income and vulnerable people may lose jobs and income, leading to homelessness.
International Relations
The U.K.’s new immigration policy has prompted a reassessment of alliances, including with E.U. members (Sumption & Kierans, 2021). A reciprocal agreement for people, trade, and services between the U.K. and other countries is crucial to strengthening the country’s global standing. Political negotiations range from trade agreement expansion to embassy relations. These negotiations affect the U.K.’s worldwide standing and ability to form alliances and partnerships. Uncertain or mixed ties between countries can discourage skilled workers from coming to the U.K., worsening the hiring problem in some sectors that rely heavily on foreign labor. Another issue is that enemy relations disrupt international trade, which can lead to job losses and lower incomes, which can lead to homelessness and infectious diseases.
Internal Political Dynamics
Brexit, the pandemic, and the government’s policies show how these events dominate internal politics and influence major decisions. It has weakened electoral politics, party positions, and public trust in government (Menon et al., 2022). Whether these policies are effective and popular affects their supporters’ outspokenness and can shape politics and policy. Party divisions and coalitions influence immigration policy and its reception in different social groups (Goodwin & Heath, 2016). Immigration policies are political, so they may hinder labor access, especially in sectors that rely on migrant workers. Government social economy policies can also cause or reduce homelessness by creating jobs, raising incomes, and improving social services.
How The Politics and The Economic Evidence Relate
Economic to Political Connections
Economic fright caused by answers in health care, agriculture, and hospitality, which mainly deal with labor shortages, has put pressure on the U.K. government. Businesses and organizations in the sector push for policy changes to reduce immigration restrictions for low-educated people (Migration Observatory, 2021). Thus, sound economic conditions may force political game players to rewrite or eliminate immigration policy to address short-term financial issues. Immigration policy discourses, especially in the U.K., are highly adaptable to economic trends. To support an immigration policy, governing parties often use economic leverage. In a growing economy, the immigration system should be maintained, but public opposition and policy reforms may increase in a downturn.
Political to Economic Connections
Government decisions on a points-based immigration system indirectly affect labor market expertise. These changes may temporarily hurt labor sectors supported by E.U. migration, lowering productivity and business costs and necessitating business model overhaul (Migration Observatory, 2021). Besides political relationships and agreements, like post-Brexit talks, economics is affected. Immigration regulations will scale new UK-foreign agreements. Restrictive policies hinder trade negotiations, while reciprocal labor agreements boost regional economic growth.
The Interplay of Economic and Political Dynamics
A complex and subtle relationship exists between economic and political influences on U.K. immigration after Brexit. Economic realities drive political discourse and policy changes, determining society’s peace over time. Immigration policies may cause a labor shortage, which public opinion strongly criticizes, forcing legislators to reconsider (Migration Observatory, 2023). Political ideologies influence immigration policies and socioeconomic conditions (Goodwin & Heath, 2016). Conservative governments prioritize national security and impose stricter controls, while liberal administrations prioritize inclusiveness over economic growth. Public opinion boosts the economy and influences policy. A happier public can change government regulations. Government officials may change rules if they think immigrants take jobs or culture changes. Immigration pressure sometimes increases economic effectiveness and public interest in more open policies. The positive effects, like economic growth, support an open immigration policy, while the adverse effects can be used to call for strict migration control.
Conclusion
The interwoven nature of politics, economy, and policy in the U.K. immigration phenomenon illustrates that resolving issues such as unemployment and homelessness is complex. Political and administrative decisions of the Brexit plan related to immigration reform and economic consequences such as unemployment and housing insecurity signify the provision of broad-scale and balanced policies. These case studies reveal that political aims like the objective of domestic workforce development led to more economic hurdles, thereby increasing social injustice and making people more dependent. Policy-makers should view the policy domains as interrelated and ensure that the political agenda includes the economy. A coherent society is promoted with inclusiveness and resilience. By regulating local structures and promoting g interactions between political and social stakeholders, the U.K. can strive towards a fairer and more sustainable society for its inhabitants.
References
Crisis U.K. (2020). Immigration and homelessness | Crisis U.K. Crisis. https://www.crisis.org.uk/ending-homelessness/law-and-rights/immigration/
Goodwin, M. J., & Heath, O. (2016). The 2016 referendum, Brexit and the left behind: An aggregate‐level analysis of the result. The Political Quarterly, 87(3), 323–332. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-923X.12285
Hayes, A. (2024b, March 1). Brexit Meaning and impact: The truth about the U.K. leaving the E.U. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/brexit.asp
Lewer, D., Braithwaite, I., Bullock, M., Eyre, M. T., White, P. J., Aldridge, R. W., Story, A., & Hayward, A. (2020). COVID-19 among people experiencing homelessness in England: a modeling study. The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, 8(12), 1181–1191. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2213-2600(20)30396-9
Menon, A., Surridge, P., Wager, A., Roger Awan-Scully, J. B., Tim Bale, & Rebecca Benson. (2022). British Politics after Brexit. https://ukandeu.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/UKICE-British-Politics-after-Brexit.pdf
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Portes, J. (2022). Immigration and the U.K. economy after Brexit. Oxford Review of Economic Policy, 38(1), 82–96. https://ukandeu.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Immigration-and-the-UK-economy.pdf
Portes, J., & Springford, J. (2023). The impact of the post-Brexit migration system on the U.K. labor market. Contemporary Social Science, 18(2), 132–149. https://ukandeu.ac.uk/the-impact-of-brexit-on-the-uk-labour-market-an-early-assessment/
Somerville, W., & Walsh, P. W. (2021). United Kingdom’s Decades-Long Immigration Shift Interrupted by Brexit and the Pandemic’, Migration Policy. Available at: https://www. migrationpolicy. Org/article/united-kingdom-shift-immigration-interrupted-brexit-pandemic (дата обращения: 21.01. 2022). https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/united-kingdom-shift-immigration-interrupted-brexit-pandemic
Stewart, S., & Sanders, C. E. (2023). Cultivated invisibility and migrants’ experiences of homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Sociological Review, 71(1), 126–147. https://doi.org/10.1177/00380261221100359
Sumption, M., & Kierans, D. (2021). Integration in the U.K. and the Post-Brexit immigration system. Migration Observatory, p. 23. https://migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/commentaries/integration-in-the-uk-and-the-post-brexit-immigration-system/
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