Study Notes on Immigration and Employment After Brexit

Discussion on Immigration and Employment in the UK

Context of Employment Post-Brexit

  • Firing Immigrants: A suggestion that after Brexit, immigrants are being fired from their jobs in the UK due to loss of working rights.

    • Target Group: Focus on immigrant workers rather than high-profile companies such as Google, Amazon, and Microsoft.

Perception of Job Opportunities

  • Claims of More Jobs for English People: There is a belief that firing immigrants will lead to more job opportunities for native English workers.

    • Questioning the Reality: The frequency of discussions around whether this belief is accurate or not.

    • Critical Thinking: Encourages questioning the true impact of immigrant employment on local job markets.

Agricultural Sector Dependency on Immigrant Workers

  • Need for Labor in Agriculture: Assertion that agricultural sectors, particularly those dealing with pickable crops such as blueberries and strawberries, require significant labor, much of which has traditionally been filled by immigrants.

    • Inevitability of Labor Needs: These jobs are not easily replaced by automation.

Challenges Facing British Workers

  • Willingness of British Workers: Inquiry into why the supposed increase in job availability doesn’t align with the employment needs in agriculture.

    • Preference of British Workers: Suggestion that British individuals prefer not to engage in low-paying agricultural work like picking berries, thus leaving gaps in labor supply.

Historical Context of British Farmers and Brexit

  • British Farmers' Influence: Recognition that farmers have historically held a significant role in shaping relationships between the UK and Europe.

    • Influence during the Brexit Campaign: Claims made during the 2016 Brexit referendum stated that leaving the EU would financially benefit British farmers.

Misleading Claims of Benefits from Brexit

  • Promises of Subsidy Financial Improvements: The Brexit campaign assured that British farmers would benefit from enhanced income through subsidies, similar to models in Switzerland, Norway, or Iceland.

    • Reality Check on Claims: The assertion that these promises have not materialized post-Brexit, indicating a disconnect between campaign promises and actual outcomes.