Feelings about immigration

 63% of people felt migrant workers supported the economy by doing the jobs British workers did not want to.

A similar number said they brought valuable skills for the economy and public services such as the NHS. 

Fifty-nine percent believed that the diversity brought by immigration has enriched British culture. 40% agreed that having a wide variety of backgrounds has undermined British culture.

 However, half said public services were under strain from immigration and that migrants were willing to work for less, putting jobs at risk and lowering wages.

The study found that people in large cities were the most likely to be positive about immigration, with scores declining as settlements became smaller, with rural residents the least positive.

“The lack of trust we found in the government to manage immigration is quite shocking,” said Jill Rutter, the director of strategy for British Future. “People want to have their voices heard on the choices we make, and to hold their leaders to account on their promises. While people do want the UK government to have more control over who can come to the UK, most of them are ‘balancers’ – they recognise the benefits of migration to Britain, both economically and culturally, but also voice concerns about pressures on public services and housing.”