The UK and France are collaborating on "new and innovative solutions" to tackle the increasing number of migrants crossing the Channel, a challenge that has reached unprecedented levels this year. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have emphasized the need for cooperative efforts, as the UK continues to invest heavily in preventing these crossings.

Informal Economy as a Pull Factor

A significant factor attracting migrants to the UK is the potential to work within its informal economy. Despite the UK's informal economy being smaller than France's—11% compared to 14%—it still offers opportunities for undocumented work. This has prompted the UK government to intensify its crackdown on illegal employment. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has highlighted this as a "pull factor," leading to increased inspections and arrests of employers hiring unauthorized workers. In the past year, over 10,000 visits were conducted, resulting in more than 7,000 arrests and fines totaling £111 million.

Calls for Digital Identification

In response to the challenges of illegal employment, former Prime Minister Tony Blair and several Labour MPs have proposed the introduction of a digital identification system. This measure, already in place in many EU countries, could help verify individuals' right to work and reduce off-the-books employment. However, the effectiveness of digital IDs remains debated, as countries with such systems still report significant informal economies.

Economic Benefits of Legal Work

Advocates argue that allowing asylum seekers to work legally could yield substantial economic benefits. A report by the Commission on the Integration of Refugees suggests that granting work rights to asylum seekers after six months could contribute £1.2 billion to the UK economy over five years. This proposal aligns with EU standards, where asylum seekers can work after nine months, a period set to decrease to six months next year.