Ben Brindle

@BenBrindle_

Senior Researcher at the Migration Observatory, University of Oxford.

For media enquiries, please contact Rob McNeil.

Oxford migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk Joined July 2023

98 Following 220 Followers 262 Posts

Latest posts 5

Today's Budget includes a few interesting developments for UK migration policy, including changes to the Graduate route, salary thresholds for Skilled Workers, and the time sponsored workers have to find a new job.

Here's what you need to know in 3 posts.

Ben Brindle @BenBrindle_ Oct 21

In YE June 2026, 2,234 Skilled Worker visas were granted to jobs recommended by the MAC for the Temporary Shortage List (33% of middle-skill grants).

Quarterly grants to other middle-skill jobs not on the TSL (incl. the interim list) fell from 1,923 in 2024 Q4 to 131 in 2026 Q2.

Ben Brindle @BenBrindle_ Oct 19

@mark__heath Who would you want to play you in the Fabio Wardley film? Orlando Bloom isn't up to much these days

Ben Brindle @BenBrindle_ Oct 15

I hadn't realised until writing this briefing that Skilled Worker grants had fallen so much that it's now no longer the biggest route for new arrivals.

The Seasonal Worker route now holds that title (41,800 grants in YE June 2026 vs 34,100 for Skilled Worker).

Migration Observatory Verified account @MigObs Oct 15

In the year ending June 2026, 157,000 work visas were granted, less than half the number granted in 2023.

Our updated work visas briefing looks at the routes work migrants used to come to the UK, the jobs they do once they're here, and how many stay.

View quoted post on X

Ben Brindle @BenBrindle_ Oct 1

Applications are open for the next @UKDSImpact Data Impact Fellows cohort!

As a former Fellow, I highly recommend it: £3,500 to support your impact activities, plus opportunities to build networks and develop new skills.

Apply by 30 November 👇
ukdataservice.ac.uk/impact/data-im…

ukdataservice.ac.uk Data Impact Fellows 2027-28 — UK Data Service A comprehensive resource funded by the ESRC to support researchers, teachers and policymakers who depend on high-quality social and economic data.