Internal migration and its impact on populations

Internal migration has redistributed people across the UK, leading to diverse urban and regional populations. This often follows economic patterns, with people moving to areas offering better job prospects or lifestyles.

The North-South drift

Many northern UK cities once relied on heavy industry and manufacturing, but the decline of these sectors has prompted workers to migrate southwards. This trend, known as the North-South drift, has boosted population growth in London and the South-East, while slowing it in northern regions.

Selective nature of internal migration

Internal migrants are often younger and better educated, seeking new employment. As they settle in the South-East, they tend to start families.

Effects on receiving and origin regions:

• A lower average age in receiving areas
• Higher educational attainment levels compared to origin regions

This contributes to regional disparity, where southern areas benefit from a more dynamic workforce, while northern areas may face skill shortages.

Migration to the South-West

The South-West attracts retirees due to its milder climate and quieter lifestyle. This increases the region's average age, creating an older population profile compared to other parts of the UK.

Case study: Internal migration to London and the South-East

London and the South-East serve as major hubs for internal migration, highlighting how such movements create disparities.

Demographic differences

In 2018, London had a younger and more qualified population:

These figures show London's advantage in youth and education, driven by inward migration.

Slowing migration trends

Net internal migration to London and the South-East is decreasing.

Reasons for slowing migration:

• Regeneration in northern cities, improving local jobs
• High house prices in London (average over £520,000 in February 2022) compared to around £150,000 in the North-East
• Expensive rents pushing young people back to their origins for homeownership

Suburbanisation

Many leave central London for surrounding suburbs in the home counties. Suburbanisation involves moving to less urban areas for affordability, often by retirees or young families needing space while staying near work.

International migration and its role in diversity

International migration has transformed the UK into a more diverse society, bringing new cultures, skills, and economic contributions. This began prominently after the Second World War and continues today.

Post-colonial migration

The British Nationality Act (1948) granted citizenship to people from crown colonies, British overseas territories, and Commonwealth countries. Many settled in cities like London, taking roles in public transport, the National Health Service (NHS), manufacturing, or engineering.

Migration from the Indian Subcontinent

From the 1950s to the late 1970s, migrants from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan arrived for work in the expanding economy. They settled in cities such as Manchester, Bradford, Birmingham, Glasgow, Slough, Luton, and north-eastern London boroughs. Many worked in manufacturing, started businesses, or joined the NHS.

Migration from the West Indies

Post-war labour shortages led the UK government to recruit from Caribbean islands. Known as the Windrush Generation (named after the ship Empire Windrush), these migrants mostly settled in south London boroughs like Lambeth, filling essential jobs.

Asylum seekers

Between September 2018 and September 2019, around 19,000 received asylum in the UK, mainly from Iran and Iraq. In 2019, 15% resettled in London and the South-East.

Recent migration from Eastern Europe

Since 2004, migrants from the Accession 8 (A8) countries – Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia, and Estonia – have arrived. They spread across urban and rural UK areas, often for work.

Second-generation migrants

Children of international migrants, born in the UK, are second-generation migrants. They often remain in similar areas to their parents, preserving settlement patterns despite some internal movement.

International migration to rural areas

While urban areas attract most migrants, rural regions also benefit from international inflows, addressing specific needs.

Benefits for rural economies

Migrants from EU countries, especially A8 nations, fill labour gaps in rural sectors like fishing or farming. This helps rural areas achieve economic potential. In places with ageing populations, migrants lower the dependency ratio by adding earners who pay taxes.

Case study: Eastern Europeans in Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire illustrates how international migration supports rural diversity and economy.

Migration patterns and impacts

• Polish nationals and other Eastern Europeans make up more than 10% of Boston's population (2011 data), working in farming and food processing around the town.
• Local people often avoid these minimum-wage, physically demanding jobs, so migrants are essential.
• This influx has led to new shops and services for migrants, boosting the local economy.