Immigration is a topic full of fear, anxiety, misinformation and prejudice.  At a time when jobs are being lost and the economy is in everyone’s mind it is appropriate to look at immigration, how it affects our work force and how we plan for the future.

Two terms need to be clarified.  Immigration is a term used for those who seek to move to live permanently in a new country. Migration is used to describe those who move from one area to another and sometimes settle permanently.

In February 2008 a new points based immigration system was introduced in the UK with a simplified 5 tier entry system.  Some of those seeking to enter the country may be temporary migrant workers or people seeking to settle permanently.  Tier two is for skilled workers with a job offer in areas where the UK lacks sufficient workers with the required education and skills base.  Skills shortages can change, but two areas have proved problematic for a number of years, and are the topic of regular correspondence with local employers. 

Scientists and engineers are in demand globally as they play a critical part in economic growth through academia and industry.  We tend to think of immigration as a British problem and associated with low levels of skill, in reality, migration is a global phenomenon. In one study 20 million of the 59 million migrants in members of the Organisation for Economic Co operation and Development (OECD) were highly skilled.  In many developed countries the demand for scientists and engineers is rising and there is increased dependence on, and competition for, skilled workers from developing countries. 

Why do professionals migrate to other countries?  Low wages, lack of opportunities and investment in research can influence migration as can political instability, corruption and persecution. Many scientists and engineers also move to gain experience, skills and additional training.  Working abroad can also bring status academically and professionally and enhance future career prospects.

Migration has an effect on both the home and receiving countries.  In the United States one third of all science and engineering post graduates are foreign born.  The UK has an inflow of academic staff, two thirds of whom are engaged in research, with over a third working in science and engineering. 

The UK is the second most popular destination for overseas students after the States bringing with them high levels of income for our Universities.  In 2007 the British Council estimated that overseas students contributed nearly £5 billion to the economy.  Over a third of overseas students study science related subjects.

While the British economy benefits from the influx of students and skilled workers there is growing concern at western countries poaching skills from the developing world.  The employment of medical staff from developing countries has proved highly controversial and has impacted on health care provision in poorer areas.  This is a complex issue as some migrant workers stay for a short time, sending money home to fuel the local economy while at the same time developing their own skills and employability once they return home.

For some countries a disproportionate number of their highly skilled graduates, scientist and engineers are working abroad.  This is especially true in Africa. Gambia for example is estimated to have over 60% of their higher skilled graduates working abroad.

Britain shares a global responsibility for encouraging an increase in the number of students graduating in science and engineering.  Capacity building is the term used to encourage the growth of jobs, research and university places as well as the ongoing training of existing graduates. The Department for International Development is to invest around £650 million over a five year period in science and engineering capacity building in areas such as the International Aids Vaccine Initiative. Such initiatives aim to offset the negative effect of skilled worker migration.

Having talked with sixth formers in out local comprehensives I know we have a successful record of young people studying science and engineering at university. Their skills are highly sought after on graduating.  In the past high wages and bonuses attracted many into banking and financial services.  In the future new priorities will I hope encourage more to use their engineering and science skills in academia and private sector companies.  Data in a House of Commons paper revealed that a survey by the Science, Engineering, Technology and Manufacturing sector skills council found that 22% of surveyed science and bioscience companies reported skills shortage.

There are jobs locally needing these skills. With the lure of financial sector employment fading there is an opportunity to rebuild the numbers entering science, engineering, technology and manufacturing where the personal wealth accumulation may be lower but the effect on the national economy will be invaluable.