Reeves Appoints Migration Expert Brian Bell as Treasury's Chief Economic Adviser
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has appointed Prof Brian Bell, a prominent labour market expert and chair of the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), as her new chief economic adviser in the Treasury. This senior civil service role comes at a critical juncture as the UK economy adapts to a significant decline in net migration, which dropped by more than two-thirds to 204,000 in the year to June 2025.
Addressing Skills Shortages Through Better Pay
Prof Bell, a professor of economics at King's College London, has consistently argued that the UK's reliance on migrant workers stems from inadequate pay and working conditions in key sectors, particularly social care. In the MAC's 2024 annual report, the committee welcomed the Labour government's focus on skills policy but warned that high immigration levels often reflect poor domestic workforce engagement due to unattractive terms.
The report stated: "Many sectors exhibit high levels of immigration not just due to skills shortages but as a result of poor pay and working conditions which cause low engagement from the domestic workforce." It added that domestic workers with relevant skills may be unwilling to supply labour under current offers.
Bell's Advocacy for Social Care Reform
In a 2023 interview with the Guardian, Bell criticised the previous Conservative government for having "no interest" in care workers' conditions, accusing them of relying on immigration as a "crutch". He highlighted that care workers are often paid less than supermarket shelf-stackers, calling this exploitation "appalling" and urging wage improvements.
Labour is establishing a new negotiating body for social care to set a statutory minimum pay agreement by 2028, though sector experts question the sufficiency of the allocated £500m funding. The broader funding review, led by crossbench peer Louise Casey, is not expected to report until before the next general election.
Migration Trends and Economic Adjustments
While some economists predict net migration could fall towards zero, Bell rejects this forecast, expecting a rebound to around 300,000 annually by the end of the decade. He has argued that rapid immigration increases often signal underlying policy failures elsewhere in government.
At the Bristol festival of economics last year, Bell noted: "It's almost always that where there's big immigration numbers, the problem is somewhere else in government not addressing an underlying problem."
Wider Refresh of Economic Advisers
Bell's appointment is part of a broader refresh of the chancellor's advisory team. Neil Amin-Smith, a former violinist for Clean Bandit turned economist, was recently made chair of the council of economic advisers, which consists of political appointees.
Reeves commented: "Through stability, investment and reform, this government has the right plan for our economy and the appointment of Prof Brian Bell will strengthen our economic leadership as we deliver for working people."
