Unskilled European worker restrictions are needed, says Ed Balls

New restrictions on the free movement of unskilled workers in Europe should be introduced, according to Ed Balls, one of the contenders for the Labour Party leadership.

Balls has suggested rewriting the EU treaty’s provisions on the free movement of labour and warned large flows of unskilled workers put strains on communities.

He said: “The hard-headed view says if you believe in European integration – and you want to have the mobility of labour – the free mobility of unskilled labour is not sustainable for communities like the one I represent.”

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He warned the possible future accession of Turkey could create a “destabilising” exodus of workers across Europe, the Financial Times has reported.

While the EU can impose temporary restrictions, Balls said more permanent restrictions on unskilled labour might be necessary.