The United Kingdom has agreed to implement a scheme for youth mobility that will make it easier to live and work in both the United Kingdom and European Union. The plan is part a wider redefinition UK-EU relationships following Britain’s exit from the bloc in 2021.
The scheme will provide young people from the UK and 27 EU countries with a dedicated visa to allow them to travel, work, study or volunteer for a limited period of time on the other country’s territory. The system of visas would be based upon mutual agreement, and include controls that ensure the total number of participants are acceptable to both parties.
The proposal is part of a larger reset in relations that also includes trade, defense and regulatory cooperation. This initiative is considered by many to be the biggest step since Brexit.
The announcement came shortly after British Premier Keir starmer reaffirmed the tightening of immigration rules. This included measures to restrict recruitment from overseas, especially for less-skilled jobs and in the care sector. Starmer, despite this, has said that the deal will give the UK “unprecedented access” to the EU market. This agreement will see pet passports return and allow British travelers to use EU egates.
Responses from the business and recruitment sectors
The UK recruitment industry has responded positively to the proposed agreement on youth mobility. Neil Carberry of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, (REC), called the agreement a practical step that could help reduce barriers in trade and labor access.
He stated, “Talent-based businesses are essential to the growth of our economy. Any changes that accelerate this growth benefit both employers and recruiters.” Businesses will welcome sensible steps to remove trade barriers at the border without reopening the Brexit discussion.
Carberry warned that success would also depend on the details. He said that the details of the plan would be crucial to its success. “If it’s too complex or limited, it could fail,” he added. He said Brexit has accelerated the exit of EU citizens from the UK, and weaken the position of the country as a base to conduct European business.
Simon Kenny is a partner in Spencer West LLP’s Immigration and Global Mobility department. He welcomed the potential of a youth-mobility scheme. He said that employers are struggling to hire young EU workers in short-term positions or for internships.
He said that a Youth Mobility Scheme could remove many of the barriers for young EEA citizens to access the UK labour market and help fill many vacancies.
Impact on access to talent and skills remains under review
Tania Bowers Global Public Policy Director of the Association of Professional Staffing Companies said that the proposed scheme will help develop skills and improve job prospects in key sectors.
The current discussions indicate that the deal is likely to have a positive effect on the movement and education of young people.
Bowers also emphasized the importance of services in the UK-EU reset. He cited progress made on professional qualifications, easier access for UK travelers, and the launch of upcoming initiatives to attract top researchers.
Bowers stated that the effectiveness of the scheme would be determined by the implementation details.
She said, “UK employers do not need a period of uncertainty or renegotiation. Now is the right time to get a good deal.” The only way to achieve this is for the government to work closely with those who will be affected by any changes in a daily basis. Employers and recruiters are essential to the success of any youth mobility programme.
