Migrants taking four in five new jobs in Britain; Indians largest foreign workforce
Source Entity
NAOMI CANTON
A report from the Centre for Social Justice reveals that migrants filled 80% of new UK payroll jobs between 2014 and 2025. Indian nationals have emerged as the largest foreign workforce in Britain, holding over one million jobs.
The Shift in the British Labor Market
A recent report from the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) has illuminated a profound transformation in the United Kingdom's labor market dynamics. According to the data, out of 3.7 million additional payroll jobs created in Britain between 2014 and 2025, only 734,000—or roughly one in five—were filled by British nationals. This significant statistical gap highlights a heavy reliance on overseas labor to sustain the nation’s economic expansion and service sectors over the past decade.
The Composition of the Foreign Workforce
The research breaks down the influx of international workers into distinct cohorts. While EU nationals accounted for 408,000 of the new roles, the vast majority—approximately 2.5 million positions—were filled by non-EU nationals. This shift marks a notable evolution in UK migration trends, suggesting that the British economy has become increasingly globalized in its recruitment strategies, reaching far beyond its immediate European neighbors to meet workforce demands.
India’s Dominant Role in the UK Economy
Perhaps the most striking finding is the emergence of Indian nationals as the primary foreign workforce in Britain. HMRC data from December 2025 confirms that Indian citizens held 1,029,300 payroll jobs. This figure represents 16% of all payroll jobs held by non-UK nationals. The scale of this presence is underscored by the growth trajectory, with the number of Indian nationals in the UK workforce increasing by 728,200 since 2014, reflecting deep bilateral economic ties.
Socio-Economic Implications
The CSJ, a think tank dedicated to addressing the root causes of social challenges, frames these statistics as a critical point of reflection for national policy. The concentration of migrant workers in new job creation suggests that domestic supply has not kept pace with the requirements of the labor market. This reliance raises questions about the future of domestic training, education, and the integration of the local population into high-growth sectors, as policymakers weigh the benefits of foreign labor against domestic employment targets.
Future Trends and Policy Challenges
Looking ahead, the data serves as a catalyst for a broader debate on immigration policy and economic sustainability. As the UK navigates post-2025 economic landscapes, the government faces the challenge of balancing the necessity of a flexible, international workforce with the goal of increasing domestic labor participation. The significant contribution of the Indian diaspora to the British payroll is likely to remain a central feature of these discussions, as both nations look to leverage these professional connections for mutual growth.