Brexit voting areas have seen faster growth in foreign workers since EU referendum
Leave-voting areas have seen faster growth in foreign workers since the Brexit referendum. Data analysis shows that these areas have also become relatively more deprived over the same period.
Intelligence analysis by Llama 3.3 70B
A Guardian investigation has found that Brexit voting areas have seen faster relative growth in foreign workers since the Brexit referendum, with non-UK workers growing fastest in percentage terms in stronger Leave-voting areas.
Imagine you have a town with not many foreign workers, but then more and more people from other countries start moving there for jobs. This is what has happened in some areas of the UK that voted to leave the EU. These areas have also become a bit poorer compared to other areas.
Analysis
Brexit and Migration Patterns
The Brexit referendum has had a significant impact on migration patterns in the UK. Data analysis shows that Leave-voting areas have seen faster relative growth in foreign workers since the Brexit referendum. This is largely because these areas had previously made up a smaller share of the workforce. For example, in Wigan, the proportion of foreign workers increased from less than 5% in June 2016 to just under 10% in December 2024, more than doubling in relative terms.
Economic Deprivation and Brexit
The same areas that have seen faster growth in foreign workers have also experienced relative decline in economic terms. Separate Guardian analysis of deprivation data shows that the strongest Remain-voting seats in England experienced the largest improvements between 2015 and 2025, while Brexit-voting areas became relatively more deprived over the same period. This suggests that the economic weakness in these areas was already present before the Brexit referendum, but has been exacerbated since.
The Complexity of Brexit Consequences
It is essential to note that the consequences of Brexit are complex and multifaceted. While the referendum has had a significant impact on migration patterns and economic deprivation, it is not the sole cause of these trends. Other factors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, have also played a role. Anand Menon, the director of The UK in a Changing Europe, warned against ascribing everything to Brexit, stating that more affluent places with a higher skilled workforce were more resilient to economic shocks.
Key points
- Leave-voting areas have seen faster growth in foreign workers since the Brexit referendum
- These areas have also become relatively more deprived over the same period
- The consequences of Brexit are complex and multifaceted
If the UK can effectively manage the growth of foreign workers in Leave-voting areas, it could lead to increased economic activity and cultural diversity. Additionally, addressing the economic deprivation in these areas could lead to improved living standards and opportunities for residents.
If the trend of economic deprivation in Brexit-voting areas continues, it could lead to increased social and economic inequality. Furthermore, if the growth of foreign workers is not managed effectively, it could lead to social tensions and conflicts.
