Migration

• From 1851 to 1891, Bristol saw its population surge to double its size as individuals migrated to the city for employment
• Until 2015, approximately half of Bristol's population growth could be attributed to overseas migration, with 15% of the population born outside the UK
• The 2021 Census indicates the percentage of people living in Bristol born outside of the UK has increased to 18.8%
• Today, the city is a mosaic of diversity with 45 different religions, representation from over 180 birth countries, and at least 90 distinct languages spoken
• Migrants come from


  • EU countries, notably Poland and Spain
• Sectors migrants contribute to

  • Hospitality
  • Retail
  • Construction
  • Manufacturing
  • Health
  • Transport
• Compared to other regions in the UK, Bristol sees more migrants planning to establish permanent residency
• The substantial influx of migrants has had a considerable impact on the socio-cultural landscape of Bristol
• Economic Impact


  • Migrants often fill gaps in the labour market, particularly in roles requiring either high or low skill
  • Bristol's growing diverse population has led to a significant boost in its economy
  • Migrants contribute through taxes and spending within the local economy
  • Migrants often start their own businesses, leading to more job creation and innovation
• Social Impact


  • Migration has made Bristol multicultural, with over 91 languages spoken
  • This leads to cultural exchange, enriching the local culture and making Bristol more cosmopolitan
  • Bristol's large African and Afro-Caribbean population has created a strong community spirit among many
  • The diverse population has impacted education, with schools adapting to multilingual and multicultural cohorts of students
  • Migration can put pressure on public services like housing, health, and education, leading to shortages and longer waiting times
• Environmental Impact


  • Due to the increase in population, there has been a substantial amount of urban development with environmental implications, such as the increase in waste generation and resource consumption
  • An increase in population can put pressure on public transport, leading to more private vehicles on the road and, subsequently, an increase in pollution levels
• Political Impact


  • The inflow of migrants affects local politics and policy-making, especially related to housing, social services, and education
  • Managing multicultural societies is a challenge for policymakers, who have to ensure diverse communities live together harmoniously and that there are no social or ethnic tensions
• The impact of migration on Bristol is complex and multifaceted. It significantly impacts the city's economy, society, environment, and politics
• On the one hand, it has boosted economic growth, diversified the culture, and brought innovation. On the other hand, it has put pressure on public services, contributed to environmental issues, and posed challenges to social cohesion and integration