It reviews the state of play after the end of the free movement of labour from the EU and the introduction of the points-based immigration system in January 2021.

The report sets the current context using official immigration data from the Home Office and Office for National Statistics (ONS) and focuses on employer responses to a series of questions on immigration.

Who is the report for?

The report is largely policy-focused and provides policy recommendations for the UK Government. These policy recommendations centre on immigration policy and skills policy.

Key focus areas

The report’s key focus areas include:

  • what are the hiring practices of migrant workers 
  • how workforce nationality breakdown has changed
  • which migrant routes have been used
  • views on the use of the new immigration system 
  • whether the system is addressing skills and labour market shortages. 

Migrant workers and skills shortages in the UK

Download the report
2 MB

Few people are coming to the UK on work visas despite high
net migration

Read our related blog post on migrant workers and skills shortages, including our policy calls in this area.

Callout Image

More on this topic

CIPD Viewpoint
Essential skills

Explore the CIPD’s point of view on essential skills, including recommendations for employers

Thought leadership
Navigating change with speed and agility is key for the C-suite

Peter Cheese, the CIPD's chief executive, looks at the challenges and opportunities faced by today’s business leaders and the strategic priorities needed to drive future success

More reports

Reports
Neuroinclusion at work report 2024

Find out about the importance of neuroinclusive workplaces, what employers are doing and the working experiences of neurodivergent and neurotypical employees

Reports
People Profession 2023: International report

Insight into how global issues are impacting people professionals in the UK, Ireland, Asia-Pacific, MENA and Canada

Reports
People Profession 2023: Asia-Pacific report

Insight into how global issues are impacting people professionals in Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore

Reports
People Profession 2023: Middle East and North Africa report

Insight into how global issues are impacting people professionals in Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates

See all reports