According to new data released by the hiring platform Indeed, the United Kingdom trails other Western countries in attracting highly-skilled foreign workers.
Despite the government’s policy to attract high-skilled talent from abroad, only 21 per cent of foreign job-seekers clicked on UK job listings offering top-tier salaries, ranging between PS35.200 and PS91,000 per year. The UK is ranked among the worst performing advanced economies. Only Spain performs worse.
France and the Netherlands, on the other hand, attract 36 and 35 percent, respectively, of clicks from foreigners for jobs that are in the top third of the pay distribution. Foreign interest in the UK, which is 39 percent, is primarily directed at lower-paid jobs, like those in food service and preparation, which accounted nearly 9 percent for clicks during the first half 2024. Retail jobs were next at 5.7 per cent, which highlights a discrepancy between UK immigration goals and the jobs that are actually attracting foreign candidates.
Foreign interest in UK job opportunities remains high, despite the challenges of attracting high-earners. In July 2024, international job searches represented 4.9 percent of all searches. This is a substantial increase compared to 3.2 percent before Brexit and pandemic. This increase in interest is higher than the 29 percent growth seen in the European Union during the same time period.
Brexit’s Impact on UK Hiring
Employers have found it harder to hire EU citizens and other foreign workers in the UK after Brexit, due to its new immigration system that is based on points. The survey conducted by Indeed of more than 1,500 UK employers and employees revealed a divided opinion on Brexit. While 35 percent of employers think the new system is going to help them recruit talent, 33 percent believe it will hinder.
Brits Eyeing Opportunities Abroad
A significant number of British workers want to leave the UK. According to the survey, 62 percent would consider working overseas because of the promise of better quality of living. Over half of the respondents (54%) believe that moving abroad will improve their lifestyle. Many also expect higher salaries and more career opportunities.
Many UK employers, however, are unwilling to accommodate this desire for international work. Nearly half of employees (47%) say that their employer does not permit them to work abroad. 42 percent of employers do not have policies supporting overseas working arrangements.
Global Job Market Trends
Data also showed that smaller countries with higher standards of living are attractive to foreign workers. Luxembourg is the top of the list with 77 percent coming from overseas. Oman (55%), Kuwait (45%), Switzerland (44%), Qatar (36%), and Switzerland (44%) are also on this list.
Pawel Adrjan is Director of Economic Research at Indeed. He commented, “While foreign interest has surged in UK jobs, the country falls behind in attracting skilled workers. This runs contrary to the immigration policy goals of the government.” Businesses and nations must offer more than just competitive salaries to attract top talent. They should also provide attractive living conditions, healthcare and political stability.
The UK is still navigating its post-Brexit workforce, and policymakers must continue to adapt their immigration strategies to the new global workforce dynamics.
