In a move that could signal a thaw in post-Brexit relations, the UK and the European Union are considering a new deal to allow young Europeans to work in the UK. The agreement, which could be announced soon, would give under-30s the opportunity to travel and work more freely between the UK and the EU.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to meet with Sir Keir Starmer this week to discuss closer cooperation. The talks are expected to explore the possibility of a youth mobility scheme, which would benefit young UK citizens as well, providing them with opportunities to work in EU nations.
Since the UK's exit from the EU in 2020, the free movement of people between the two regions was scrapped, removing the automatic right of citizens to work without a visa. Currently, EU nationals looking to work in the UK for over six months must apply for a skilled worker visa, which requires a minimum annual salary of £38,700 (€46,472). In response to growing concerns about labour shortages, the UK government has reduced this salary threshold to £30,960 (€37,164.60) for those meeting the visa criteria.
Speaking on Times Radio, Pedro Serrano, the EU's ambassador to the UK, suggested the scheme could initially focus on short-term opportunities, such as gap year placements. He said: "If we have a mechanism that allows young British citizens to go out for a gap year, for example, they have a choice of 27 states within the European Union to do a bit of learning and pay for their learning while they're there. Why not? If people then want to stay later for work, it's a totally different process. This would be limited in time."
Addressing concerns over migration, Serrano noted that any new scheme would be distinct from broader immigration issues. "There is the fear of migration. It's a big topic not only in this country but in Europe as well. And we have to see how we're going to be facing that, working together more effectively. But it has nothing to do with the youth mobility scheme," he added.
UK Hospitality Sector Grappling with Skills Shortages
The UK hospitality sector, which has been hit hard by the loss of young European workers since Brexit, may particularly welcome the proposed youth mobility scheme. Prior to the UK's exit from the EU, the hospitality industry relied heavily on workers from countries like Romania, Poland, and Spain. In 2019, EU nationals made up 12.3% of the hospitality workforce, according to the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS). Since then, around 120,000 EU workers have left the sector, contributing to significant skills shortages.
Although more Britons are now entering the industry, a recent report by hospitality recruiter Caterer.com found that three out of five employers have seen an increase in applications from UK workers. However, over 28,000 vacancies remain unfilled, highlighting the ongoing demand for workers in the sector.
A potential youth mobility scheme could provide a much-needed boost to industries like hospitality, offering young Europeans the chance to contribute to the UK workforce once again. The outcome of this week's discussions between von der Leyen and Starmer could shape the future of youth employment opportunities on both sides of the Channel.
Comments