A new investigation reveals that regions in the UK that strongly supported Brexit are experiencing a significant increase in foreign workers, contrary to the expectations of many Leave voters. This trend, coupled with a decline in local economic conditions, paints a complex picture of the post-referendum landscape.
Foreign Workers Flood Leave-Voting Areas
Data analysis conducted by The Update Desk shows that since the Brexit referendum in 2016, areas that voted predominantly to leave the EU have seen a faster percentage growth in foreign workers than their Remain-voting counterparts. For instance, in Wigan, a town that recently held a byelection, the proportion of non-UK employees surged from under 5% to nearly 10% between June 2016 and December 2024. This represents a more than twofold increase in relative terms.
In contrast, while urban areas that leaned toward Remain still host the largest numbers of foreign workers, the growth in Leave areas has been more pronounced. Nationally, the overall increase in foreign workers was around 40% during the same period, highlighting that areas less accustomed to migrant labour are now adapting to significant demographic shifts.
Economic Decline Amidst Growth
The same analysis reveals troubling trends in economic deprivation among Leave-supporting constituencies. Areas like Boston, Skegness, and Hartlepool, which voted heavily to leave the EU, have experienced relative economic decline since the referendum. While the influx of foreign workers may suggest economic opportunities, local communities have simultaneously reported rising deprivation — a contradiction that raises eyebrows.
Anand Menon, director of The UK in a Changing Europe, emphasised that the perception of change often drives political sentiment. “People react to change,” he stated, noting that while large cities may absorb thousands of new arrivals with minimal fuss, smaller towns are more likely to feel the impact of even a few hundred newcomers.
Diverging Fortunes Between Leave and Remain Areas
Further analysis indicates a stark contrast in the economic trajectories of Leave and Remain voting regions. The strongest Remain constituencies, including areas like Bristol Central and Cambridge, have seen improvements in economic health, whereas many Leave areas have stagnated or worsened. This divergence is evident in health metrics, housing accessibility, and overall deprivation rankings.
For example, Makerfield’s overall ranking in terms of deprivation slipped just seven places from 2015 to 2025. However, its housing deprivation ranking plummeted by 52 places, while its crime ranking fell by an alarming 127 positions. Such statistics suggest that local services and living conditions are deteriorating more rapidly in Leave-voting areas.
The Bigger Picture
While the data presents a compelling narrative, experts caution against attributing all economic woes to Brexit. Menon pointed out that many of these areas were already grappling with economic challenges prior to the referendum. Factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and shifts in manufacturing have further complicated the situation.
“It’s too simplistic to blame Brexit for everything that’s gone wrong,” he said, acknowledging that more affluent areas with skilled workforces have proven more resilient in the face of recent challenges.
Why it Matters
The findings underscore a crucial dilemma for policymakers and communities across the UK. The promise of Brexit to rejuvenate local economies appears increasingly elusive, particularly in areas that embraced the opportunity to leave the EU. As foreign workers continue to fill local jobs, the growing discontent among voters in these regions may signal a need for a reevaluation of economic strategies and immigration policies. The evidence suggests that the post-Brexit landscape is more complex than many anticipated, and addressing the disparities between different areas will be vital for future stability and cohesion.
