White and Non-White Migration between Area Groups in England and Wales

Abstract

In this paper, we explore internal migration in England and Wales by broad groups of ethnicity, education and employment status from 1991 to 2004. The aim is to identify key differences in the patterns and trends over time so that a better understanding of the processes can take place. Our analyses focus on migration between twelve area groups defined by the Office for National Statistics, which are comprised of Local Authority Districts and include such areas as London Cosmopolitan, London Suburbs, Coastal and Countryside and Industrial Hinterlands. By analysing the migration flows between these area groupings, we can focus our attention on the types of destinations various migrant groups choose given particular origin types. The data come from the 2001 Census and the National Health Service Central Register from 1991 to 2004. Strong stability over time is demonstrated in the aggregate patterns of origin-destination-specific flows. However, when disaggregated by region, ethnicity, education and employment, very different patterns emerge which gives some useful insights into the redistribution of England and Wales' ethnic populations and compositions