THE SNP has said the Tories’ “narrow-minded Brexit rhetoric” is to blame for a fall in the number of overseas workers coming to Scotland, warning of the damage to the economy and public services.
Latest figures from the DWP show an 18% drop in the number of National Insurance registrations by overseas workers coming to Scotland between 2015 and 2018.
Shetland has been hit the worst, with a 69% drop in overseas workers’ registrations, while the north east and West Dunbartonshire have falls of up to 45%.
SNP MSP Kevin Stewart said: “The UK Government’s hostile approach to migration is failing Scotland.
“The Tories’ anti-immigrant obsession and narrow-minded Brexit rhetoric is driving people away from Scotland, putting our economy and vital public services on the line.
“Freedom of movement
has been great for Scotland – migrants are not only net contributors to our economy but they strengthen our society and enrich our communities.”
The figures reinforce warnings that Scotland faces a demographic crisis that could jeopardise the country’s ability to fund public services, with an ageing population leaving fewer working-age taxpayers.
All of Scotland’s population growth over the next 25 years is projected to come from migration.
Falling migration poses a risk to filling crucial vacancies in public services and the private sector, with Scottish unemployment already at historically low levels.
Analysis by the Scottish Government found Tory proposals to cut migration would cost the Scottish economy up to £10 billion per year by 2040.
Stewart continued: “The simple fact is that without inward migration our working-age population will decline, making it harder to fund vital public services like hospitals and schools in the future.
“It is now imperative for Scotland to have the powers to set an immigration policy which suits our specific needs and recognises the huge benefits migrant workers bring to our economy and society.”
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