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An extensive investigation has revealed that regions in the UK that strongly supported Brexit have witnessed a significant increase in foreign workers since the referendum, despite a corresponding decline in local economic conditions. This paradox highlights the complex dynamics of migration and socio-economic status in the years following the 2016 vote, suggesting that the realities of Brexit may not align with the expectations of its proponents.
Growth in Foreign Workers Post-Brexit
Data analysis from government sources indicates that the decade following the Brexit vote has seen a notable increase in non-UK workers in areas that overwhelmingly backed leaving the EU. Specifically, regions such as Wigan, which was a focal point during the recent Makerfield by-election, have experienced a dramatic rise in the proportion of foreign employees. In June 2016, less than 5% of the workforce in Wigan was made up of non-UK residents; by December 2024, that figure had risen to nearly 10%, reflecting a more than 100% increase.
This trend is not isolated. Across the UK, areas that were previously less accustomed to migrant workers have become increasingly diverse, particularly in the context of health and care visa arrivals. In stark contrast, regions that voted to remain in the EU, typically larger urban centres, continue to host the highest absolute numbers of foreign workers, although their growth rates lag behind those seen in staunch Leave-supporting areas.
Economic Stagnation in Leave-voting Regions
While the influx of foreign workers may imply economic vitality, the reality for many Leave-voting constituencies is one of relative deprivation and stagnation. An analysis of deprivation data reveals that while affluent Remain-voting areas, such as Bristol Central and Cambridge, have made significant strides in economic health from 2015 to 2025, many Brexit-supporting regions, including Boston and Skegness, have experienced a decline in relative terms.
Anand Menon, director of The UK in a Changing Europe, emphasises that political perceptions often hinge more on changes in local demographics than on broader statistics. “People react to change,” he notes, suggesting that while larger cities may absorb higher numbers of migrants without significant notice, smaller towns can feel the impact of even modest increases acutely.
Health and Housing Disparities
The disparity in socio-economic conditions between Leave and Remain constituencies extends beyond mere employment figures. The analysis indicates that Leave-voting areas have, on average, fallen further behind in crucial health metrics, experiencing higher risks of early mortality, increased reliance on health benefits, and greater hospital admissions for severe illnesses. Furthermore, these regions have seen a decline in housing availability and services, emphasising a worsening quality of life.
The degradation in housing and crime metrics is particularly concerning. For instance, Makerfield experienced a sharp decline in its housing deprivation ranking, dropping 52 places, while also falling significantly in crime-related metrics. These trends illustrate a growing divide in the living conditions of those in Leave-voting areas compared to their Remain counterparts.
The Bigger Picture: Contextualising Brexit’s Impact
While Brexit may not be the sole factor contributing to the economic challenges faced by Leave-voting regions, it has certainly compounded existing issues. Menon cautions against simplistic interpretations that attribute all economic woes to the referendum, noting that many of these areas were already grappling with long-standing economic vulnerabilities. The compounded effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, disruptions from the war in Ukraine, and shifts in manufacturing have further exacerbated these challenges.
The data suggests a complex narrative; as the UK navigates its post-Brexit landscape, the consequences of the decision to leave the EU are proving to be multifaceted and deeply felt across the nation.
Why it Matters
The findings from this investigation underscore the nuanced realities of Brexit, revealing that areas which fervently supported leaving the EU are now grappling with challenges that starkly contrast their initial expectations. As foreign workers increasingly fill roles in these regions, the simultaneous rise in deprivation raises critical questions about the future of local economies and the political landscape. Understanding these dynamics is essential for policymakers aiming to address the evolving needs of communities at a time when the ramifications of Brexit continue to unfold.
