People still moving to London for better work, report finds

People who move to London and the South-East still have much better job prospects, according to a new report.

The report by the Institute for Employment Studies for the Social Mobility Commission said people who move to achieve a better life will on average earn 33% more than those who stay in one place.

The report argues people who move for a better job are often do so whilst in their 20s – often gravitating towards London and the South-East – and are more likely to end up in managerial or professional jobs, says the research.

It also found that men who stay in the most deprived regions are 14.3% points less likely to be employed in higher occupation levels, compared with men who move

And only 36% of ‘stayers’ have a degree, compared with more than half (56%) of ‘movers’.

The report also calculated that the average gross monthly earnings for ‘stayers’ are just £1,739, compared with £2,327 for ‘movers’ – a 33% difference

In addition, it states ‘stayers’ are less likely to be employed in a higher managerial or professional occupation (39%) compared with ‘movers’ (59%).

The commission suggests the current COVID-19 pandemic could transform internal migration by allowing more people to stay where they grew up and work from home.

The outbreak could make life harder for people with low-paid jobs in more deprived areas, but it could also be a timely opportunity to revolutionise working patterns.

The report urges employers to ensure geographically diverse workforces by not only recruiting near their physical headquarters but also setting up proper flexible working arrangements.

‘Our research highlights the clear benefits and advantages to moving by those who can afford to but also underlines the important cultural, personal and familial reasons why people may choose to stay in the area where they grew up,’ said report lead author, Dafni Papoutsaki.

‘While moving towards more prosperous areas is linked to higher pay, those who move to affluent city centres do not necessarily have a better quality of life than those who stay where they grew up.

‘Policies that support both the individual and enhance infrastructure in less well-off areas can provide opportunities and a genuine choice of where to work and live, regardless of one’s background.’

The full report – Internal migration and social mobility – moving out to move on – is available to read here.

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