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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Rob Davies and Jack Simpson

‘Arbitrary’ election pledges to cut UK migration will worsen worker shortages

People serving drinks in a busy pub from behind a bar
Net migration to the UK fell 10% last year to 685,000, after hitting a record high of 764,000 in 2022, according to official figures. Photograph: Charles Stirling/Alamy

The battle between the Conservatives and Labour to show they are tough on migration risks damaging sectors that are vital to the economy, industry figures have warned.

Rishi Sunak unveiled a Conservative pledge to cap visas awarded to migrant workers on Monday, promising “bold action to reduce immigration” amid pressure from a Reform party reinvigorated by the return of Nigel Farage as leader.

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