Scotland’s migration needs must be met

While the net reduction in migration from the EU into the UK is welcomed by the Westminister Government and those who supported Brexit as a means of cutting immigration, it is deeply worrying for the Scottish economy.

Last year, 33,000 EU nationals left the UK as total net migration was driven down by a total of 81,000.

Despite dire warnings from industry and opposition parties, the UK Government wants to further reduce net migration by nearly 150,000 people.

How many of those EU nationals left due to the referendum result is impossible to know, but anecdotal evidence suggests many feel less welcome and secure on these shores.

The rising cost of living is also making the UK a less desirable destination for casual workers.

In Scotland, the NHS, hospitality and tourism sectors and others could be crippled by a recruitment crisis.

The Scottish soft fruit industry is already as much as 10% below its required workforce and leading figures have warned price rises are inevitable.

The pattern is repeated across the board and the country has not yet left the EU – things may or may not get worse.

It may not be the case south of the border but it is increasingly clear a steady flow of workers from the EU is necessary for the Scottish economy. It must be hoped that is borne in mind during negotiations.