The policy of managed migration is driven by political short-termism which is failing to meet the economic requirements of the UK, says a report published today.

The report, by the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce, argues that in a global economy, a focus on controlling the number of people crossing the border is neither effective nor efficient. It points out that without a continued flow of migrant workers to meet the demand for low-skilled labour, a number of industries would not be able to operate.