British Future thinktank finds support from leave and remain voters for cap on low-skilled migrants arriving but path eased for specialistsFour in five people who voted leave in the EU referendum would accept migration of high-skilled workers from the bloc to increase or stay the same, according to research, though both remain and leave supporters back a reduction of low-skilled workers. The poll found wide support from both leave and remain voters for a new immigration policy which would put a cap on the number of low-skilled migrants arriving but ease the path for specialist workers. The report, based on a survey of more than 3,600 people, found support for tougher immigration requirements from half of remain voters, who said they wanted to see a reduction in low-skilled migration. Last month it was revealed that nearly a third of British food and drink businesses have had non-UK EU workers leave their employment since last summer’s Brexit vote, according to a survey of more than 600 businesses. The National Farmers Union has also said the number of seasonal workers coming to the UK this year had dropped by 17%, blaming the lack of clarity on the future for EU workers and a drop in the value of sterling.

Source: The Guardian September 03, 2017 22:52 UTC