Two possible impacts of the decrease in job opportunities in the UK on Nigerians
The decline in job vacancies in the United Kingdom, particularly in England, has reached its lowest point in over three years. As per a recent Bloomberg report, this decrease in job opportunities may dampen the prospects of a robust economic recovery from the recession that impacted the UK last year.
Information from Reed Recruitment, analyzed by Bloomberg, indicates a nearly 25% decrease in job openings during the three-month period leading up to February when compared to the same period the previous year.
The data reveals a 20% increase in applications compared to the previous year in February, underscoring the considerable cooling of the once vibrant job market. This scenario presents a challenging environment for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government as they approach a reelection campaign.
James Reed, Chairman of the eponymous company, remarked, "Our latest data suggests a prolonged chill in the labour market, with 21 consecutive months of falling job postings and no strong indication of a bounce back happening this year." This accurate prediction contrasts with the Bank of England's misjudgment that a recession wasn't likely.
The decline in job vacancies can have negative implications for immigrants, including Nigerians seeking opportunities in the UK. The reduction in job openings suggests that the approval of visas and work permits for immigrants may become more restricted due to the decreased demand for labor.
As indicated in a mid-2023 report from the UK government, Nigerians ranked second in the number of immigrants moving to the UK. However, the current trend of diminishing job opportunities could impact the prospects for Nigerians and other immigrants seeking employment in the country.
The data for the year ending June 2023 reveals that the leading non-EU nationalities contributing to immigration flows into the UK were as follows: Indian (253,000), Nigerian (141,000), Chinese (89,000), Pakistani (55,000), and Ukrainian (35,000).
The recent report suggests that the number of Nigerians securing work visas to the UK in 2024 may significantly decrease, given the Bloomberg report on the reduction in job vacancies. According to Reed, job listings have declined by 45% in the three months ending February, reaching the lowest level since late 2020, following the initial COVID-19 lockdown. This downturn has affected various sectors, particularly in typically affluent areas of southern England.
Additionally, the reduction in job opportunities could lead to an increase in deportations, impacting Nigerians residing in the UK. Heightened unemployment may prompt authorities to enforce stricter measures, potentially resulting in the deportation of jobless nationals.
In the past year, the UK government, led by Rishi Sunak, declared its intention to deport illegal migrants, reflecting its vigorous efforts to enhance the prosperity of the European country.
Leave A Comment