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In the aftermath of the Brexit referendum, areas that predominantly voted Leave have witnessed a significant increase in foreign workers, contrasting with a relative economic decline, according to an extensive investigation by The Guardian. This analysis suggests that the anticipated benefits of leaving the European Union have not materialised for many of these communities, which are grappling with rising deprivation levels alongside an influx of non-UK workers.
Rapid Increase in Foreign Workforce
The latest data reveals that the decade following the Brexit vote has seen a pronounced growth in the number of foreign workers in Leave-supporting regions. Notably, areas like Wigan—home to the recent Makerfield by-election—exemplify this trend. As of June 2016, fewer than 5% of the workforce in Wigan comprised non-UK employees; by December 2024, this figure nearly doubled to just under 10%. This increase has been particularly stark compared to the national average, where the proportion of foreign workers across the UK rose by only 40% during the same timeframe.
The influx of foreign labour has largely been driven by health and care visas, with net migration peaking at 944,000 in the year ending March 2023 before declining as visas expired. This demographic change is significant in areas that were previously less accustomed to migrant workers, highlighting a shift in the local economic landscape.
Economic Disparities Between Leave and Remain Areas
A deeper dive into the data surrounding deprivation reveals stark contrasts between Leave and Remain constituencies. While major cities that predominantly supported Remain have seen substantial numbers of non-UK workers and improvements in various economic indicators, many Leave-voting areas, including Boston and Skegness, have become increasingly deprived. A separate analysis indicates that the strongest Remain constituencies, such as Bristol Central and Cambridge, have experienced notable advancements from 2015 to 2025, in stark contrast to stagnation or deterioration in Leave-voting regions.
Anand Menon, director of The UK in a Changing Europe, noted that the perception of change often holds more political weight than the sheer numbers involved. “The impact of new arrivals can be felt more acutely in smaller communities, where even a modest increase in immigration may be highly visible,” he stated.
Health and Housing Concerns
Further investigation into health metrics and housing accessibility reveals that Leave-voting areas are trailing behind in critical areas. Data shows that these regions have recorded worsening health outcomes, including higher risks of early death and increased hospital admissions for serious illnesses compared to their Remain counterparts. Simultaneously, housing deprivation rankings have also deteriorated, with many Leave constituencies sliding down the rankings, indicating a growing struggle for access to adequate housing and local services.
Menon cautioned against attributing all economic challenges solely to Brexit, emphasising that pre-existing economic vulnerabilities in these areas were exacerbated by a combination of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. “It’s essential to recognise that many of these communities were already facing significant challenges before the referendum,” he remarked.
The Bigger Picture: Contextualising Economic Change
While the data presents a concerning picture for Leave-voting areas, it is critical to contextualise these changes within a broader economic framework. Many of these regions historically faced economic difficulties, and the recent trends in deprivation cannot be entirely ascribed to Brexit alone. The interplay of various socio-economic factors has contributed to the current landscape, illustrating the complexity of the situation.
As the UK continues to navigate its post-Brexit reality, the implications of these findings raise important questions about the future of these communities. The growth in foreign workers may not align with the expectations of many Leave supporters, who anticipated a recovery in local economies, rather than further marginalisation.
Why it Matters
The findings of this investigation serve as a wake-up call for policymakers and community leaders alike. The juxtaposition of increasing foreign worker populations alongside rising deprivation in Leave-voting areas underscores a critical need for targeted economic support and integration strategies. As the UK forges ahead in its post-Brexit era, understanding the evolving dynamics within these communities is essential for fostering social cohesion and ensuring that the benefits of migration and economic growth are felt equitably across the nation.
