Migrant workers are an important part of the UK workforce. Citizens of most European Economic Area (EEA) countries can work in the UK without special permission. There is a points-based system for non-EEA nationals wishing to work in the UK.
The white paper says that people coming into the UK will only be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain after 10 years, not the current five. In most EU countries the application point is set at five years.