National Insurance number allocations to overseas nationals entering the UK 2006/07

PRNewswire-GNN London 24 July

London, 24 July /PRNewswire-GNN/ --

DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS News Release (IFD240707NINO) issued by The
Government News Network on 24 July 2007
Introduction
The annual statistics on National Insurance Number (NINo) allocations to
overseas (non-UK) nationals entering the UK are released today. The statistics
are available via a report on the DWP website at:
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/nino_allocations.asp

NINos are required for employment/self-employment purposes (ie for the
administration of tax and national insurance contributions) and to claim
benefits and tax credits. The tables in the publication are broken down by
both the year of arrival into the UK and the year of NINo registration.
The registration figures include registrations up to 2006/07 whereas the
arrivals series only covers tax years up to 2005/06. This is because it often
takes months or even years for new arrivals to apply for a NINo, eg where the
overseas national undertakes a course of study before going into employment.

The DWP figures provide a measure of inflow for overseas nationals registering
for a NINo, however do not measure outflow or overall migrant population.

Key Findings

Registrations:
* Total NINo registrations in 2006/07, at 713 thousand, were 51 thousand
(7.7%) higher than in 2005/06.
* Registrations for Accession* nationals increased from 277 to 321 thousand
(16%) over the same period, with Poland the largest contributor (69% of
Accession national registrations in 2006/07).
* Registrations in respect of all non-Accession nationals rose by 7 thousand
(1.7%).

Arrivals:
* The total number of arrivals into the UK in 2005/06 - and who were
registered on the National Insurance Recording System by 14 May 2007 - was
562 thousand. This series has risen each year since there were 284 thousand
arrivals in 2000/01.
* Comparing 2004/05 and 2005/06 arrivals, the proportion claiming an
out-of-work benefit within 6 months of NINo registration remained at around 3%.

Registrations to nationals of the EU Accession countries

Registrations to nationals from the EU Accession countries increased by 44
thousand (16%) in the year, to stand at 321 thousand in 2006/07. Most of this
increase was due to Polish nationals who accounted for 69% (223 thousand)
of registrations to nationals from Accession countries. Slovakians made up 9%
(29 thousand) and Lithuanians 8% (24 thousand). Registrations to non-Accession
nationals increased by 7 thousand (1.7%) between 2005/06 and 2006/07.

Our figures are consistent with Home Office (Worker Registration Scheme)
figures in that both show further increases in the number of Accession
country migrants.

* Accession Nationals refer to the twelve countries that have joined the
European Union since 1 May 2004: the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia,
Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Romania and
Bulgaria. All twelve are included under "EU Accession Countries" throughout
the time series above.

Arrivals claiming out-of-work benefits

Of the 562 thousand total arrivals into the UK in 2005/06, 16 thousand
(3%) were claiming an out-of-work benefit - Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA),
Incapacity Benefit (IB) or Income Support (IS) - within 6 months of NINo
registration. Figures for recent years are lower than for earlier years because
Accession nationals are generally required to have worked continuously for
12 months before they are entitled to income-related benefits.

Of the 16 thousand 2005/06 arrivals going onto out-of-work benefits, almost
13 thousand were actively seeking work (receiving JSA), while just under 3
thousand were not obliged to be actively seeking work (receiving IB or IS).

Age and Gender

Of the 713 thousand new registrations in 2006/07, 583 thousand (82%) were
under the age of 35 and only 8 thousand were over 55. Males accounted for 54%
of new registrations and females 46%.

Notes to editors

This definition of migrants - overseas nationals allocated a NINo - differs
from other published statistics in the area, for example International
Passenger Survey statistics define a migrant as someone who stays in the UK
for at least a year following arrival. The various definitions of migrants
mean that other data sources may have a different number of migrants for
the same time period.

These statistics have been produced using 100% sample data from the National
Insurance Recording System. The data covers all overseas nationals allocated
a NINo, whatever the reason for the allocation and whatever the length of
stay in the UK. The data does not show when overseas nationals subsequently
depart the UK, nor length of stay in the UK. The figures therefore give
a measure of the inflow of overseas nationals (excluding those who do not
register for a NINo such as tourists), but not outflow or overall stock.
Series derived from the International Passenger Survey, Labour Force Survey
and Census give a measure of stock.

The arrivals figures for all years, but especially 2005/06, will rise in future
as other people already resident in the UK apply for and are allocated a NINo.

The full version of the report in adobe acrobat format is on the DWP website
at: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/nino_allocations.asp

For further information contact:
Press Office: 020 3267 5144

Coverage: Great Britain
Theme: Labour Market

Issued by:
Information Directorate
Department for Work and Pensions

Telephone:
Press Office : 020 7238 0866
Public Enquiries : 020 7712 2171

Website: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/asd

Statistician:
Martin McGill
Information Directorate
Department for Work and Pensions
Room BP 5 2 01
Benton Park View
Benton Park Road
Longbenton
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
NE98 1YX

Telephone : 0191 225 7661
Facsimile : 0191 225 3193
email : martin.mcgill@dwp.gsi.gov.uk

Next publication: To be confirmed