Despite Theresa May’s reassurance that a ‘soft Brexit’ will be implemented, a survey has showed that over half of British workers are worried about being able to work abroad. While workers are worried about being able to find work abroad it hasn’t stopped them from still wanting to pursue their dream.
According to the survey carried out by Monster.co.uk 30% of British workers are still interested in working abroad, this number is increasingly higher amongst those aged 16-36, 41% of them want to work abroad. The benefits of working abroad still remain strong, not only does it increase confidence and independence, it also broadens people’s perspectives and teaches new transferable skills.
Uncertainty
It is still unclear how Brexit will affect British people’s ability to move elsewhere for work but one thing for certain is that one of the leave campaigns biggest promise was to take back control of our borders. However ministers have failed to mention anything about how immigration will be controlled after the UK leaves the EU. In the Chequers agreement last week the governments view on ending free movement was reiterated. Two years on and still little detail has been added. The government has however made a pledge to create “mobility framework so that UK and EU citizens can continue to travel to each other’s territories, and apply for study and work – similar to what the UK may offer other close trading partners in the future”.
Following on from the recent resignations in the senior team of Ms May’s cabinet has meant there is more uncertainty with how fast the final Brexit deal will be closed and how ‘soft’ will it really be. This means that the uncertainty of workers rights after Brexit will last even longer. Adding on to this Dominic Raab who has replaced Davis Davis as the secretary for Brexit is previously known for suggesting to scrap the human rights act which embeds international human rights protections as part of our laws.
Shortage of EU workers
Some industries within the UK are already suffering since the announcement of Brexit taking place. Industries such as construction and lorry drivers have a high number of employees from the EU. Since Britain voted to leave the EU many European workers don’t feel secure or happy with working in the UK and therefore have moved back. This will make it difficult for the industries to employ workers over the next two years.