Skills gaps identified

A major piece of research in summer 2010 identified potential skills gaps in LEP areas as a result of the cap on non-EU migrants entering the UK. Seven reports below outline the situation in 7 LEP areas which have a footrpint in the South East:

Coast to Capital; Enterprise M3; Essex, Kent & East Sussex; Oxfordshire City Region; Solent; South East Midlands; and Thames Valley.

A second stage of work on skills gaps is currently underway to identify the role played by EU migrant workers in the South East Economy. This is expected to report at the end of 2011.

Gurkha community

Research in 2010 reported on the integration and settlement of Gurkha communities living in the South East of England. Amid concerns that the growing Gurkha community might increase costs for local authorities with a high Gurkha population, the research found a very high level of economic activity among Gurkha families in the South East. See also a brief summary of the research findings or read the full report.

This project recently received coverage in the media, highlighting the Gurkhas' contribution to the economy.

Impact on policing - ongoing

SESPM is currently working with the Association of Chief Police Officers to assess the impact of migration on policing in the South East.

Migration data

SESPM also contributes to SEEC's data dashboard, reporting key trends in migration across the South East. Headline statistics are included in the dashboard.

The work of SESPM is funded by the UK Borders Agency. For more information on South East Strategic Partnership for Migration contact Roy Millard at South East Councils - roymillard@secouncils.gov.uk 01304 872186.