Discrimination during Brexit? Under Review

with Johannes Lohse and Rebecca McDonald

Abstract:

This paper quantifies the extent of labour market discrimination against non-British EU nationals in the UK using a large-scale correspondence study. Conducted during the withdrawal period that followed the Brexit referendum, a period marked by heightened anti-immigrant sentiment, our study offers insights into how applicant quality, nationality, and residency status affected firms' hiring decisions. We also study how discrimination varies by job and employer characteristics, as well as by anti-immigrant sentiments in the region of the employer. Our findings reveal limited evidence of discrimination against EU applicants in the UK, with observable discrimination varying geographically in favour of or against EU applicants. Notably, higher job credentials were rewarded disproportionally for applicants of Eastern European origin. These results highlight the nuanced nature of labour market discrimination during a period of politically charged immigration debates.