Population Growth Puts Squeeze on Wages

The Workers of England has long advocated for controlled immigration in the UK—particularly in England—to protect employment opportunities and safeguard wages. Recent official figures reveal a 5 million increase in the British population between 2005 and 2016, exacerbating pressure on public services and resources.

Our organisation was first to highlight how uncontrolled immigration undermines wages and working conditions. These concerns were later confirmed by then-Labour leader Ed Miliband in September 2011 and by Lord Rose during the 2016 Remain campaign.

Currently, the Labour Party supports maintaining the Single Market, which implies continued uncontrolled immigration and further downward pressure on pay. The arithmetic is simple:

• 10 applicants per vacancy → higher wages, better conditions
• 100 applicants per vacancy → lower wages, poorer conditions

We are not anti-immigration; we simply demand it be properly controlled. We urge the Labour Party to revise its stance without delay.

Stephen Morris
General Secretary

Population Growth Sharpest in 70 Years After ‘Record’ Migration Levels

The UK population has risen by over 5 million people in just eleven years, driven largely by unprecedented migration.

Key Statistics

According to the Office for National Statistics, the population grew by 538,000 in the year to June 2016—the largest annual rise since 1947. The total UK population now stands at 65.65 million, the highest on record.

Drivers of Population Change

“Net international migration remains the largest component of population change,” the report states. Over the past decade:

• 62.4% of growth came from net migration
• 35.8% from natural change (births minus deaths)
• 1.8% from other factors

In 2015, 631,500 people arrived while 299,200 departed, marking the highest net influx since 1991.

Regional Variations

England—particularly London—has borne the brunt of this increase. London’s population alone rose by 2% as working-age migrants settled and birth rates climbed among younger residents. Eight of the 14 authorities with growth exceeding 2% are in the capital.

Resource and Service Pressures

Alistair Currie, head of campaigns at Population Matters, warns: “These figures reflect years of record migration, which intensifies pressure on food, housing, transport—and even wildlife.” A rise in births, combined with a decrease in winter‐related deaths, has further boosted overall numbers.

Conclusion

England’s rapid population growth, driven by record migration levels, highlights the urgent need for immigration control. Proper management is essential to protect wages, employment opportunities, and public services.