Thursday 25 May 2017

New migration figures pose a risk for London's construction industry says LCCI

The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry is seriously concerned about the new ONS migration figures announced today and its impact on London's workforce.

LCCI's own research shows that 36% of the construction industry workforce in London is made up of foreign workers and these figures, together with the planned cap could spell disaster for London.

ONS statisticians highlighted an increase in emigration by EU citizens, up 31,000 to 117,000. The change was most striking among citizens from Poland and the other seven central and eastern European countries that joined the EU in 2004.

Director of Policy at London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sean McKee said: "We continue to maintain that what is vital to London's success is attracting and retaining talent and a full strength workforce, rather than imposing an arbitrary cap.

"We already know that certain sectors are struggling from a skills shortage and these figures, which show a surge in EU citizens leaving the UK last year, can only add to that shortage.

"This leads to serious questions about how we can build the houses we so desperately need as well as a supporting infrastructure to remain a competitive global city."

ENDS

Media Contact
Katharine McGee
T: +44 (0)20 7203 1897
M: +44 (0)7827 241528
E: kmcgee@londonchamber.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITOR:

1. LCCI is the capital's most representative business organisation, with members ranging in size from multi-national companies to SMEs and sole traders.

2. Colin Stanbridge, Chief Executive, and Sean McKee, Director of Policy, are available for further comment and interview.