Post-Brexit shift in immigration may mean higher wages and more self-sufficient UK economy

In the past, sectors such as hospitality have relied heavily on workers from the EU to fill vacancies. Photograph: Andy Rain/EPA

Immigration played a key role in the UK’s decision in 2016 to leave the EU. Opinion polls showed strong support among leave voters for an end to free movement and for Westminster to decide who should be allowed to enter the country for work. That’s what the slogan “take back control” was largely about.

Since the Brexit vote, the mood has changed. There is still a feeling ministers need to do more to stop people in small boats crossing the Channel. But legal immigration has ceased to be such a hot political issue. Other issues – such as the cost of living and rising interest rates – rank as more important.