Independent think tank Migration Watch UK has said that the “emergency brake” on benefits for new EU workers arriving in the UK might not have a significant impact on immigration because half of new arrivals from the EU are single – and a further one-quarter are couples without children.
Changes in benefit eligibility for EU citizens arriving in the UK was proposed by the Prime Minister as part of the UK’s renegotiation of its EU membership.
The findings that the “brake” might not have significant impact follows recent research by Migration Watch UK.
In a briefing paper the think tank says that the changes are unlikely to have an impact because currently neither single people nor childless couples from the EU are currently entitled to any significant benefits.
Migration Watch says that the primary draw for potential migrants is likely to be the availability of employment and higher wages in the UK, rather than the attraction of benefits.
The think tank adds that the introduction of the National Living Wage and subsequent increases in its level are likely to increase the UK’s attractiveness to potential migrants – including couples from the EU who have children.
Despite their income being affected by the proposed benefit changes, couples with children from EU member states might still be attracted by the availability of employment in the UK and higher wage levels.
However, the figures – based on available data – show that, among newly arrived EU migrants, rates of benefit claim are low on arrival and for some time afterwards.
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