Scrap migration targets after Brexit to help economy, says CBI

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has called on the Government to scrap net migration targets after Brexit because of the “significant” benefit that immigrants bring to the UK economy.

The report, titled ‘Open and Controlled,’ argues that targets should be replaced with a system that ensures people coming to the UK make a “positive contribution” to the economy.

The study suggests that EU workers currently make up between 4% and 30% of the total workforce in different sectors, and that immigration delivers a “significant economic benefit” to the UK.

“Firms want to see reform to the UK’s immigration system, ensuring it remains sufficiently open to support our economy but with enough control to build public trust and confidence,” the researchers said. “The stakes are high. Get it wrong, and the UK risks having too few people to run the health service, pick food crops or deliver products to stores around the country.