Foreign interest in the UK labor market experienced a decline in the initial three months of 2025. Nevertheless, interest from job seekers in the United States saw a significant increase during this period, coinciding with the beginning of Donald Trump’s second term as president.
The United States holds the second-highest position in terms of overall interest. Experts attribute this surge to policies implemented by Trump, characterized by a strong ideological stance, amid growing discussions regarding a potential ‘brain drain’ from the US to Europe.
Approximately 3.8% of job searches on the hiring platform Indeed in the UK came from foreign sources in the three months leading up to March 2025. This figure is considerably lower compared to the 5.7% recorded in September 2024 and falls short of the 6.3% peak observed in September 2023. The latest statistic is also below the 4.2% average since early 2019.
According to Jack Kennedy, Indeed’s senior economist, the decline may be attributed to a combination of a subdued job market and the ongoing impact of stricter immigration policies.
Between January and March 2025, India accounted for the largest portion of foreign interest in UK jobs at 11.3%, followed by the United States at 8.5%. Despite a sharp decline of 5.2 percentage points, India still retained its position as the leading source of foreign interest.
Experts suggest that there is a link between the brain drain and policies enacted during the Trump administration. Dr. Michael Plouffe from University College London mentioned that the substantial cuts in federal research funding will prompt researchers to seek opportunities elsewhere for stable financial support.
Both the United Kingdom and the European Union present themselves as attractive options for Americans. Bernd Parusel, a senior researcher at the Swedish Institute for European Policy Studies, stated that many researchers face the risk of losing their jobs due to political interference. Recent layoffs of highly educated public sector employees in the US have also been attributed to the Trump administration’s focus on government efficiency.
According to Parusel, immigration rules in Europe are not a major hindrance for US citizens seeking employment here. Europe offers several advantages, including a lower cost of living compared to the US and access to free welfare.
Europe’s demand for researchers and workers is strong, with many countries in the EU actively seeking talent. A Nature poll of over 1,600 respondents revealed that 75% of US scientists are considering leaving the country, with many exploring job opportunities in Europe and Canada.
The decline in foreign interest in UK jobs is particularly noticeable in higher-paid sectors such as engineering, tech, and healthcare. Despite this, these roles continue to attract significant foreign interest. The
Source: https://www.euronews.com/business/2025/04/25/foreign-jobseekers-ditch-uk-market-with-one-surprising-exception
