The Impact of the Recent Migration from Eastern Europe on the UK Economy

Abstract

In this speech, Professor David Blanchflower, member of the Monetary Policy Committee, discusses the origins of the most recent influx of migrants to the United Kingdom. He also examines why the East of England has received a disproportionate number of these new workers and why employers choose to hire them. He concludes by looking at the consequences of migration on the UK economy in general, arguing that recent immigration has raised the supply potential of the economy by more than demand, and thereby acted to reduce inflationary pressures.