THE rumour mill is still peddling the myth that immigration is bad for the UK, causing division throughout society.
As someone who benefited from working in a multicultural environment, it is about time some of these myths where busted.
People say immigrants claim more benefits than those born in the UK but the truth is very different. They cannot access the welfare system until they have been living here for three months – and the Government plans to extend this to a full year. Department For Work And Pensions' figures show that of 1.44 million people claiming JobSeekers' Allowance (JSA) in February 2011, fewer than 38,000 were from other EU countries – around 2.6 per cent of total claimants, roughly in line with the percentage of the population.
Another untruth that does the rounds is that people who come to the UK from abroad take more out of the country than they put in. However, immigrants are about 60 per cent less likely than natives to receive state benefits, tax credits or live in social housing. In fact, since 2004, figures show that immigrants made a positive contribution. For instance, in the fiscal year, 2008-09, immigrants paid 37 per cent more in direct or indirect taxes than they received in goods and services. Sarah Mulley, of the Institute of Public Policy Research, said they pay more into the system than they take out because they are young people who are working.
Another untruth is that immigrants who come to the UK take jobs off those born here. The UK Border Agency's points-based system for non-EU immigrants means that they can only take jobs where there are skill shortages – and must prove they have the relevant qualifications. Numerous studies have shown there is no link between EU immigration and unemployment levels. Many internationals are highly- skilled and make a positive contribution to our country.
Immigration promotes a multicultural society, and the contributions it makes enhance all our lives.