Exploring the drivers of internal labour migration for the regions of Great Britain

Abstract

The role of internal migration in reducing regional inequalities is a common feature of classical economic theory and urban economics models. If regional migration is important in reducing spatial disparities, then understanding its causes, and barriers, is crucial. This paper explores the drivers of regional migration behaviour in Great Britain. Findings point to rigidities in housing that deter mobility across regions; and regional differences in the drivers and effects of regional migration. Our paper supports greater focus on spatial disaggregation, since migration studies conducted at the national level ignore important spatial differences in migration behaviour.