Record-breaking influx of non-EU migrants

Last year, an astonishing 420,066, or three in five, of the new jobs in the UK were taken by migrants from outside the EU, according to government data. This surge in non-EU workers reveals how the UK job market heavily relies on overseas talent.

Significant rise in non-EU workers

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that the number of non-EU workers on the UK payroll has increased by a third in just two years. In December 2020, there were 1,921,098 non-EU workers, but by December 2022, that number had soared to 2,556,741, a rise of 33.08%.

London sees a major influx

London, in particular, has experienced a significant rise in non-EU workers. In December 2022, a record-breaking 934,046 non-EU workers were registered in the city, an increase of 118,565 compared to the previous year.

Regional increases in non-EU workers

Almost all regions across the UK witnessed a substantial annual growth in non-EU workers between December 2021 and 2022. In the North East, the number of non-EU employees rose by 30% from 37,131 to 48,431. The West Midlands saw a 22% increase, rising from 168,820 to 206,939. Yorkshire and The Humber experienced a 24% rise, going from 105,466 to 130,928.

Key sectors employing non-EU migrants

The NHS, care homes, and seasonal farm work are among the industries that employ a large number of non-EU migrants. These sectors heavily rely on overseas workers to fill essential roles.

Decline in EU workers

While overall migration is on the rise, the number of workers coming to the UK from EU countries has been steadily decreasing.