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Migration and Labour Market Differences: The Case of Wales

Author

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  • Stephen Drinkwater

    (University of Surrey, WELMERC, University of Wales Swansea and IZA Bonn)

  • David Blackaby

    (WELMERC, University of Wales Swansea and University of Swansea)

Abstract

The migration of labour can affect economies in several ways. This paper focuses on two of the economic impacts of migration in the context of the recent Welsh experience. Firstly, since migration is a key aspect of labour market flexibility, it is a mechanism through which local and regional labour market differences can be reduced. However, it is found that the most deprived parts of Wales have the lowest levels of migration and that both in and outmigration rates are negatively correlated with unemployment and sickness rates. Secondly, the characteristics of in and out-migrants have important implications for the current and future performance of local and regional economies. Using a variety of data sources, it is shown that people leaving Wales are younger and more educated than migrants to Wales. Furthermore, younger and more educated Welsh individuals appear to have a higher willingness to move than their counterparts living elsewhere in Britain.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephen Drinkwater & David Blackaby, 2004. "Migration and Labour Market Differences: The Case of Wales," School of Economics Discussion Papers 0604, School of Economics, University of Surrey.
    • Handle: RePEc:sur:surrec:0604
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    File URL: https://repec.som.surrey.ac.uk/2004/DP06-04.pdf
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    Cited by:

    1. Sara Lemos, 2014. "Labour Market Effects of Eastern European Migration in Wales," Manchester School, University of Manchester, vol. 82(5), pages 524-548, September.
    2. Richard Jones & Peter Sloane, 2009. "Regional differences in job satisfaction," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 41(8), pages 1019-1041.
    3. Melanie K. Jones, 2004. "Rural Labour Markets: The Welsh Example," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 19(3), pages 226-248, August.
    4. Stephen Drinkwater & Peter Ingram, 2009. "How Different are the British in their Willingness to Move? Evidence from International Social Survey Data," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 43(2), pages 287-303.
    5. repec:elg:eechap:14395_22 is not listed on IDEAS
    6. Sara Lemos, 2014. "Labour Market Effects of Eastern European Migration in Wales," Manchester School, University of Manchester, vol. 82(5), pages 524-548, September.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    migration; local and regional labour markets; Wales;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers
    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population

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