Another drop in UK net migration in 2026 may cause labour shortages, says No 10 adviser

The restaurant sector, shops and hotels sectors could struggle to recruit staff from abroad over the next few years, said Bell. Photograph: Dan Grytsku/Alamy

UK net migration is expected to fall to 200,000 in 2026 with possible resulting labour shortages in the hospitality and retail sectors, an independent adviser to the government has said.

Prof Brian Bell, the chair of the migration advisory committee, said the figure was then predicted to rise again to just below 300,000 in the medium term.