Migrants to South West pay 34% more in taxes than they take out in public services

Migrants to the South West pay 34% more in taxes than they take out in public services, says the South West TUC.

The statistic from University College London is printed in a booklet, Truth, Lies and Migrants, that was launched in Taunton earlier this month.

Nigel Costley, Regional Secretary of the South West TUC, said: “Politicians are quick to jump on the immigrant-bashing bandwagon, but without migrant labour, what would happen to our agricultural and hospitality industries?

“Employers tell us migrants do jobs no-one else is prepared to do, and they also help create jobs. For example, the Romanian daffodil picker sees their flowers transported to the shops by a local lorry driver and sold by a British retail worker.

“Migration brings economic benefits and the richness of diversity, but it can unsettle people. This booklet brings facts to the debate allowing people to see for themselves who is – and isn't – coming to the South West.”

As part of a discussion on immigration, delegates to the South West TUC's Regional Council heard from Bucharest-born Andre Dudau who has worked in the region for nine years.

“I came here to have a better life,” he said, “and because if you follow the rule of law, English people are respectful and welcoming to immigrants.”

The Unite rep also said we should not expect his compatriots to join him in the UK, adding: “Romanians have been able to work here since 2007, so anyone wanting to come here will already be here.

“If they go anywhere, they'll go to Spain because it's cheaper to live there … and the weather's better.”

Delegates also discussed in-work poverty, credit unions and the rise in foodbank use in the South West.