The ONS Migration Statistics Quarterly Report, August 2014 reveals the following key figures, emphasising the need for employers to be conducting the statutory checks required to ensure successful job applicants are entitled to work in the UK:

560,000 people immigrated to the UK in the year ending March 2014, a statistically significant increase from 492,000 in the previous 12 months. Two-thirds of the increase is accounted for by immigration of EU citizens (up 44,000 to 214,000). 265,000 non-EU citizens immigrated to the UK in the year ending March 2014. This ends a steady decline since the recent peak of 334,000 in 2011.

There was a statistically significant increase in immigration for work (up 38,000 to 228,000), driven by increases for EU15 and EU2 (Romanian and Bulgarian) citizens.Net ‘long-term migration’ to the UK was estimated to be 243,000 in the year ending March 2014, a statistically significant increase from 175,000 in the previous 12 months. In addition to the above, the statistics show that an estimated 316,000 people emigrated from the UK in the year ending March 2014.