Ipsos Mori has published an interesting survey today suggesting that three quarters (75 per cent) of Britons believe that immigration is currently a problem.
There is also strong support for the government’s plan to introduce an annual cap on the on the number of workers coming into Britain from countries outside the European Union. More than half (57 per cent) support the cap and only 15 per cent (one in seven) oppose it.
To quote from the pollster:
The main cause of concern about immigration is the perceived burden it has on public services and the pressure it places on jobs. Indeed, lower skilled workers are the most likely to say immigration is a problem.
With youth unemployment reaching record highs, concern amongst those aged 16 to 24 has seen a big increase (this group is usually least negative about immigration). Almost half (49 per cent) of them believe that immigration to Britain will damage the economic recovery by taking away jobs from people already living here.
The West Midlands has the highest level of concern, with 88 per cent perceiving immigration as an issue. Despite a very high number of immigrants, London is the region with the least anxiety but the numbers are still high at 61 per cent.
While less than ten per cent of people want to see an end to all immigration into Britain, there is strong support for tougher laws.
Jim Pickard
Kiran Stacey