British business 'to suffer if migrants leave'

British businesses will suffer if there is an outward migration of skilled foreign workers.

A Trades Union Congress spokesman observed that strong migration levels are an indicator of an economy that is performing well.

He added that if people seem to be considering leaving the country, this might show that gross domestic product and labour market growth may be slowing.

Because of this, the representative stated that it is "vital" that there is investment in skills by both employers and the government.

Without the introduction of more capital, the competitiveness of the UK may suffer, he remarked, which could lead to the situation whereby there will be a "damaging skill shortage".

His comments came in light of the findings of the Expat Explorer Survey 2010 carried out by HSBC Bank International.

It discovered that 67% of expats in the country believe that the economy in their current country has become worse since the start of 2009, with 7% actively looking to move.