IChemE calls for evidence-based immigration policy

The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) has added its voice to calls from UK politicians for the speedy release of a new cross-governmental report, which finds that the potential impact of immigration on UK employment may have been exaggerated.  

The report, which has been described by some sources as 'politically difficult', is thought to undermine the home secretary, Theresa May, who has previously used research from UK's Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), as the basis for claiming that: 'For every additional 100 immigrants… 23 British workers would not be employed'.

But the new report, prepared by civil servants, is thought to be far less pessimistic. The analysis – an extension of the MAC research, estimates that the impact of immigration on existing British workers is much lower.  However, the figure suggested for the displacement of British workers has not been disclosed, leading to claims of political skulduggery by some media sources.

IChemE's director of policy and communication, Andrew Furlong, expressed his dismay at the UK government's lack of transparency around the true situation and he said: 'Chemical engineers have consistently called for evidence-based policy making, but this apparent attempt to stifle new data smacks of a preference for policy-based evidence.'

IChemE works closely with the Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE).  Recent analysis from CaSE reveals that the UK needs over 100,000 science, engineering and technology graduates a year, but only produces around two thirds of this number for the workplace.   According to a recent skills survey by the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), 39 per cent of UK engineering employers are planning to expand and recruit. 

Furlong went on to say: 'There is a clear need to increase the supply of skilled workers in order to rebalance the economy and deliver sustainable growth. The government needs to be realistic about meeting these needs and migration will be an important part of the solution.'

He continued: 'IChemE recognises that immigration can be a toxic issue, which arouses fierce passion on all sides of the political debate. But this is all the more reason for openness and transparency; employers, educators and the public at large must be allowed to reach judgements based on the latest and best available information.  The government must avoid the temptation to pander to political prejudice and release the report.'

IChemE is committed to the principle of free trade and the free movement of talent.  The Institution works with governments to ensure that the pipeline of chemical engineers continues to flow for the benefit of industry, for educators and for the research community. In the UK, IChemE continues to work with MAC to retain chemical engineering on the Shortage Occupation List.