Data shows post-Brexit immigration plans will hurt UK gig economy. The Government’s post-Brexit immigration plans are aimed at reducing the number of low skilled workers entering the country.

Along with the farming, catering, nursing and care sectors, it is highly likely that workers in the gig economy will be excluded from the skilled category.

The proposals are likely to intensify the fall in immigrants coming to the UK to work. According to figures published by the Office for National Statistics, EU net migration is now less than half the level it was at its peak and more workers from Eastern European countries are leaving than arriving. This trend is already impacting the UK gig economy.

Ana Andres, co-founder of TidyChoice, a platform for independent cleaners analysed the source of their applications over the past five years. TidyChoice receives over 10,000 applications annually and is a good proxy for the overall London gig economy.

“The rate of applications from Eastern European nationalities has diminished drastically since the Brexit referendum. Better job prospects at home, weaker Sterling and Brexit uncertainty are the main reasons for the fall. We have maintained strong growth
in total applications by plugging the gap with ever increasing applications from other countries.

Currently only 40% of our applications come from UK nationals. Without overseas workers, it will be very difficult for us to achieve our targeted 30-40% annual increase in applications that we need to support business growth and counter natural attrition.

The Government is calling on companies to “adapt and adjust”. We cannot automate in our sector and the pool of UK citizens seeking cleaning work will quickly dry up. I am worried that without new workers coming to the UK, the sector will shrink and
consumer prices will inevitably increase.”

About TidyChoice

Founded in 2014, by Colin Weston and Ana Andres del Valle, TidyChoice is an online platform, offering home cleaning and childcare services for London residents. TidyChoice professionals undergo a careful vetting process, to ensure customers can choose from a trusted and reliable community of housekeepers. Customers can choose their preferred professional and professionals can choose their own rate, hours and areas of work.

Media Contact
Company Name: TidyChoice
Contact Person: Colin Weston
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Phone: 02081331830
City: London
Country: United Kingdom
Website: www.tidychoice.com