The report, Open and Controlled – A New Approach to Migration, provides evidence from 129,000 firms across 18 industry sectors including the NFU.
The CBI website states:
Companies want to see a new approach that remains open enough to grow the UK economy, with the right controls to build public trust and confidence.
Most credible economic studies show that immigration delivers net economic benefits for the UK. Foreign workers put in more than they take out. Their taxes – which pay for schools, hospitals and roads - outweigh the benefits they receive. And, as the Office for Budget Responsibility notes, higher net migration reduces pressure on government debt.
This significant consultation with businesses of all sizes shows the inter-connectedness of different sectors, highlighting just how important migration is to all parts of the UK economy, at all skills levels.
NFU comment:
“This was a significant consultation with businesses of all sizes, including the NFU, it shows just how important migration is to all parts of the UK economy, at all skills levels. UK must remain open to talent from both Europe and around the world. All of the most credible economic studies show that immigration delivers net economic benefits for the UK.
“Sourcing workers is a critical issue for many sectors across farming – particularly Horticulture, Dairy and Poultry. As we leave the EU, we need a work permit scheme that replaces free movement so that businesses can better access people and skills from around the world.”