UNITED KINGDOM

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Methodology

Three main sources were used to collect literature:

Social science electronic databases.
A network of contacts made up of colleagues, other government departments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and university academics.
Websites suggested by contacts.

The literature found for the review was not exhaustive and covered only literature published between 2001 and 2004.
This was not a fully systematic review and hence no quality check was made on the evidence that informed the literature.
The literature tended to examine Ethnic Groups rather than Migrants!

Although economic, cultural and political impacts were considered separately in the report, these impacts are not independent of one another.
Many of the arguments found in the literature were theoretical rather than based on empirical evidence.
Small-scale studies provide valuable qualitative information about specific groups but cannot be generalised to the experiences of all migrants.
Large-scale surveys and administrative sources that collect data on migrants have the potential for providing quantitative information on different types of migrants.
However, these sources can also have substantial limitations, for example, poor data quality and small sample sizes.

Little or, in some sections, no literature on the impact that migrants have had on the economy. The largest body of research was found on the impact on employment.
Where research on migrants was found, it was not helpful to consider migrants as a homogeneous group, rather they should be considered as heterogeneous, with different types of migrants having different impacts, which also varied, by sector.
When highly skilled migrants and specific economic sectors are considered, a more positive impact on the economy was apparent.
Generally, migrants do appear to be more entrepreneurial than their native counterparts, who were categorised as ‘White’. Again, differences between groups are apparent.

Very little research was identified specifically relating to the impact that migrants have had in this area.
Research into ethnicity suggested that participation of minority ethnic groups was more likely at the grass-roots level.
Migrants had made a large impact on the UK’s food industry – the largest amount of research was found on this area.
The literature suggested impacts in other areas but was insufficient to provide a detailed or definitive picture.
Minority ethnic groups differed in their participation rates in terms of volunteering and social participation.

Little research focussed specifically on migrant population, as distinct from ethnic groups.
Voting registration and turnout varied considerably between ethnic groups.
Minority ethnic candidates were under-represented at the national and local level.
Evidence was found that migrants favour participation at the grass-roots levels.
Evidence was also found to support the view that the migrant population is a significant lobbying group.

Despite the limitations of the review, immigration can be said to have had an impact on the UK.
On the whole, the presented literature suggests that this impact has been positive although this may partly be due to the collection method employed.
More specific information on the range of migrant groups is needed to understand more fully the impact that migrants have had on UK society.