UK After Brexit: Sovereignty Secured or Economy Endangered? (Part 4 of 5)
Feb
Part 4: Immigration, Workforce, and Public Services – A New Reality?
One of the most significant and politically charged aspects of Brexit was immigration. The “Take Back Control” slogan largely focused on ending the free movement of people, which was a fundamental part of the UK’s membership in the European Union. The promise was simple: by exiting the EU, Britain would regain control over its borders, allowing for a more selective immigration policy tailored to its needs.
Years after Brexit, the question remains: Has Britain benefited from tighter immigration controls, or has it created labour shortages, economic disruptions, and a public service crisis? This article explores the impact of Brexit on immigration policies, workforce dynamics, public services like the NHS, and the broader sense of British identity and social cohesion.
Immigration Post-Brexit: Who’s Coming, Who’s Leaving?
The End of Free Movement
Before Brexit, UK businesses could freely hire workers from across the EU without visas or work permits. This provided industries like hospitality, construction, agriculture, and healthcare with a steady supply of labor. Brexit ended this freedom, replacing it with a points-based immigration system that prioritizes skilled workers over lower-wage labor.
Key changes include:
- EU citizens are now subject to the same visa requirements as non-EU nationals.
- The UK government implemented a points-based immigration system, requiring applicants to meet salary and skill thresholds.
- The Seasonal Worker Scheme was introduced, allowing some temporary migration, but not enough to meet demand in certain industries.
Who’s Leaving?
Since Brexit, the UK has seen a significant decline in EU migration:
- Many EU workers left due to uncertainty, visa complications, and lower job attractiveness.
- A large portion of workers from Poland, Romania, and Spain—who once filled key roles in the UK economy—have not returned.
- London, which once had one of the most diverse workforces in the world, has seen a decline in EU-origin workers, shifting dynamics in various industries.
Who’s Coming?
- Immigration from non-EU countries, particularly India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and the Philippines, has increased.
- The UK’s new policies have favored skilled professionals in sectors like healthcare, engineering, and IT.
- However, the decline in low-skilled EU workers has left industries struggling to fill vacancies, particularly in hospitality, agriculture, and construction.
Labour Shortages and Workforce Disruptions: The Cost of Cutting EU Workers
A Workforce Crisis in Key Sectors
Brexit-driven labour shortages have hit several industries hard, leading to higher wages, increased costs, and even business closures.
- Agriculture: Farmers have struggled with fruit and vegetable harvesting due to a lack of seasonal workers, leading to millions of pounds worth of wasted crops.
- Hospitality: Restaurants, hotels, and bars have found it difficult to recruit staff, leading to higher prices and reduced service capacity.
- Logistics and Trucking: The post-Brexit exodus of EU drivers contributed to fuel shortages and supply chain disruptions in 2021, leading to empty supermarket shelves.
- Construction: Skilled workers, many of whom were EU nationals, have left, causing project delays and increased building costs.
The UK government has attempted to fill gaps with domestic workers, but many industries have struggled to find willing replacements.
Higher Wages, Higher Costs
With fewer workers available, wages have increased in some sectors, particularly hospitality, retail, and farming. While this might seem like a benefit to workers, it has contributed to inflation and higher consumer prices. Businesses have passed these extra costs on to customers, making goods and services more expensive.
While some argue that higher wages for British workers were a key Brexit objective, the reality is that many businesses are unable to sustain wage increases, leading to layoffs, reduced services, or closures.
The NHS and Public Services: Stronger or Struggling?
The NHS: A System Under Pressure
The NHS has faced two major Brexit-related challenges:
- Workforce Shortages:
- The NHS previously relied heavily on EU doctors, nurses, and care workers. Brexit restrictions have made recruitment harder, leading to staffing shortages.
- A report from the British Medical Association (BMA) found that applications from EU healthcare professionals to work in the UK dropped significantly after Brexit.
- Increased Costs for Medicine and Supplies:
- Brexit introduced supply chain delays, leading to higher costs for medicines and medical equipment.
- Pharmaceutical companies have faced extra bureaucracy when importing drugs from the EU.
The UK has since expanded healthcare recruitment from non-EU countries like India and the Philippines, but visa complications and slow processing times have delayed hiring efforts.
Education and Social Services
- Universities have faced reduced funding due to the UK leaving the Erasmus+ student exchange program.
- Local councils, many of which relied on EU workers for administrative and community support roles, have struggled with staffing.
- Social care has been particularly affected, with shortages in carers impacting the quality of elderly care services.
British Identity and Social Cohesion: Has Brexit United or Divided the Nation?
A Divided Nation
Brexit not only changed policies but also deepened social and political divisions:
- The 2016 referendum revealed stark contrasts between different regions, generations, and social classes.
- Scotland and Northern Ireland largely voted to remain in the EU, while England and Wales leaned towards Leave, fueling calls for Scottish independence and tensions in Northern Ireland.
Rising Xenophobia and Nationalism?
- The Brexit vote emboldened some nationalist groups, leading to an increase in anti-immigrant rhetoric in political and media discourse.
- Some EU nationals reported feeling less welcome in the UK, prompting many to return to their home countries.
New Cultural Identity?
On the other hand, some see Brexit as an opportunity to redefine British identity, emphasizing sovereignty, self-sufficiency, and national pride. However, the question remains: Has Brexit strengthened or fractured Britain’s sense of identity?
Conclusion: A New Reality with Unintended Consequences
Brexit was framed as an opportunity for the UK to take control of its borders and prioritize British workers. However, the realities of tighter immigration policies have created significant workforce challenges, economic disruptions, and strains on public services.
Key Takeaways:
✔ The UK regained control over immigration, but labor shortages have hurt key industries.
✔ The NHS and public services have suffered from staffing shortages and increased costs.
✔ Social cohesion has been tested, with Brexit deepening divides across the UK.
✔ Higher wages have not fully compensated for labor shortages, leading to inflation and business struggles.
While sovereignty was a major victory for Brexit supporters, the cost has been felt in labor markets, business performance, and public services.
Looking Ahead:
The final installment of this series will examine the long-term future of Brexit Britain. Has Brexit set the UK on a path to long-term success, or will its economic and political struggles persist?
🔹 Next Up: Part 5 – The Future of Brexit Britain: Success, Struggle, or Stagnation?
Daniel Elijah Joseph is a lecturer in Accounting and Finance with a passion for Corporate Finance, a published author of self-help and spiritual books, and a dedicated blogger since 2017. With a deep interest in spirituality, love, and current affairs, he writes thought-provoking analyses that bridge economics, leadership, and faith. Through his newsletter, The Alchemy of Wisdom, he continues to explore the evolving complexities of finance, global affairs, and divine wisdom.
For more insights, visit DanielelijahJoseph.com.
