Immigrants & Benefits

HAMISH_MCTAVISH

So what are your real motives for wanting to limit EU immigration?

It's not economic, as the evidence clearly and overwhelmingly shows EU immigration is a benefit.

So what is it?

kabayiri

HAMISH_MCTAVISH wrote: »

...

And you haven't answered, what is stopping us targeting recruitment now?

The recommendations have already been made, but it's often too little too late.

You haven't answered my point about mass automation.

It has already removed the need for mass employment in many industries during the second half of the 20th century. Why shouldn't this trend continue?

PaulF81

Hamish, would you have any objection to having a ban on all state benefits for immigrants, including housing allowance and free housing, but in return allow open access to the UK? I personally would prefer this model to ensure we get the right sort emmigrating here.

This is an example of why modifying EU membership is essential as we couldnt currently do this even if we wished to.

If you have worked in the middle east, you will be aware this deal is no different to the deal you get out there, so what would be your issue with it?

vivatifosi

Here in Hertfordshire unemployment is still relatively low - about 2.4% latest claimant count I think - though clearly there are parts of the county that score higher and some where the count is even lower.

The latest census shows that the one of the biggest growth groups in the county is black Africans. The conundrum as I see it is why so many 18-25 year olds are still not finding work locally, when black Africans are filling the low pay, low skill jobs. I would like to understand better the reasons for this. Is it what employers want, is it that the young workers don't try hard enough? I'm not sure what the answer is, but it does seem a little odd.

ILW

HAMISH_MCTAVISH wrote: »

So do we do that by taking away people's rights, as EU citizens, or do we maybe try a bit of training or people development?

And you haven't answered, what is stopping us targeting recruitment now?

Not everyone agrees that there should be any "right" to move to any EU country under any circumstances. That is the point of the whole thread.
Interestingly there is currently no universal right for Bulagaria or Romania.

HAMISH_MCTAVISH

kabayiri wrote: »

The recommendations have already been made, but it's often too little too late.

Which has nothing to do with EU membership.

You are putting up a straw man argument here. If we want to target specialists from anywhere, we can do so today.

HAMISH_MCTAVISH

PaulF81 wrote: »

Hamish, would you have any objection to having a ban on all state benefits for immigrants, including housing allowance and free housing, but in return allow open access to the UK?

I would have no objection at all, if we could negotiate a deal that allowed us open and free access to living and working in Europe in return, under the same criteria.

But of course, as benefits tourism is a myth, this wouldn't in any way reduce immigration to the UK.

I suggest most of my opponents in the thread would not be happy with this solution though.

ILW

What about no entry without proof of a job?
If the job fails within a certain time, the employer has to pay any expenses.
Similar to the Australian system.

Dribley

Hamish, I've started a thread for you as you've become so obsessed and have started digging up all your old threads on the subject?

the_flying_pig

HAMISH_MCTAVISH wrote: »

No it's simply noting that house prices here are not a barrier to people moving for even unskilled jobs. Despite the previous posters claim to the contrary.

Well, without getting into a detailed debate on it if you really think that immigrants are the saviours our economy I put it to you that the cost of living must play at least some part. Certainly for folks who'll be paying their own way rather than HBing it.