Brexit & free movement of workers

Abstract

Migration is a highly politicised issue. In the UK, over the last 15 years or so, the role of EU migrant workers has become highly sensitive. EU enlargement, particularly in 2004 to include Central and Eastern European (EU-8) countries, such as Poland and the Czech Republic, increased economic disparity within the EU, including disparity in standards of social protection and welfare provision. This context has led to animated debates about “social dumping”, “benefit tourism” and, more generally, debates about the risks of a “race to the bottom” in standards of employment protection and social security1