Contextual research - Immigration

Economic and labour market factors are a major driver of international migration

http://www.migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/briefings/election-2015-briefing-why-do-international-migrants-come-to-the-uk/
The UK’s labour market is thought to be a significant draw for migrants from both within the EU and from non-EU countries. economic growth and the demand for specialists in certain occupations increase demand for both high- and low-skilled labour.

Income inequality in the UK over the past decades also appears to have played a role in attracting high-skilled immigrants, because it means that these people can often command high incomes in the UK. For low-wage jobs, the UK’s flexible labour market and a range of other policies have played a role in drawing in workers from the European Union. (Note that UK immigration policies do not allow employers to bring non-EU workers to the country for low skilled jobs).

EU citizens were particularly likely to report coming for work, while non-EU citizens are more likely to report coming for family or study. Among EU citizens, the highest shares coming for work were seen among citizens of new Eastern European member states.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-37109747

The labour market data showed the number of workers from the eight eastern European countries was nearly four times the level recorded 10 years ago - when the number stood at just over 250,000.

It showed there were 266,000 Bulgarians and Romanians in employment in the UK - a rise of around 87,000

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/immigration-brexit-uk-eu-up-down-stats-bulgaria-romania-record-high-referendum-a7594851.html

The Government says it wants net immigration to fall below 100,000, meaning the level is well over twice its target.

The rise in immigration from Bulgaria and Romania was partially offset by a fall in the number of migrants from the “Ascension 8” countries like Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania – a small fall of 10,000. Immigration from the rest of the EU was broadly flat.

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/566717/UKIP-Bulgaria-Romania-Immigration-migrants-Brexit-vote-record-high-UK-Britain-EU-passport

The move to the UK was the most popular choice for Romanians who made up as much as 10% of immigration levels.

"The main reason people are coming to the UK is for work, and there has been a significant increase in people looking for work, particularly from the EU."