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The ongoing issue of Channel migrants attempting to reach the UK has prompted Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron to seek “new and innovative solutions” to address small boat crossings. Despite the UK providing France with significant funds to prevent these crossings, the number of migrants arriving in the UK through this route, many of whom go on to claim asylum, has surged to record levels this year.
One explanation offered by France for migrants heading to the UK is the appeal of being able to work in the informal economy, where taxes are evaded, and individuals are employed without proper documentation. While estimating the exact size of the informal economy is challenging, a recent study by the European Parliament estimated that the UK’s informal economy constituted about 11% of the total economy in 2022, lower than France’s 14% and the European average of 17%.
The nature of the UK’s informal economy presents opportunities for illegal work, especially for asylum seekers and other irregular migrants. This has prompted increased enforcement efforts by the UK government, with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighting the need to crack down on illegal employment. The Home Office has ramped up visits to suspected employers hiring unauthorized workers, resulting in a higher number of arrests and fines issued in the past year.
While the ability of asylum seekers to work legally while awaiting their claims to be processed in the UK is restricted compared to other European countries, factors such as English language proficiency, existing connections to the UK, and the perception of the UK as a desirable place to live contribute to their decision to choose the UK as a destination. State support for asylum seekers in the UK includes accommodation and minimal financial assistance, along with access to healthcare and certain educational benefits, acting as a lifeline for those who cannot support themselves
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