EU-UK Accord Response by Recipient Party
In an attempt to address the challenges posed by Brexit, the UK government has unveiled a series of measures aimed at revitalising youth mobility, goods trade, and attracting businesses. These steps, designed to stimulate economic growth and remove barriers at the border, are welcomed by businesses.
The deal addresses several key areas of concern for businesses, particularly in the realm of talent acquisition. One of the most significant changes is the reintroduction of the Youth Mobility Scheme for EU nationals, scheduled to begin in late 2025. This new scheme will allow EU citizens aged 18-30 to live and work in the UK without employer sponsorship or the previous points-based visa requirements, albeit under new terms.
Another important aspect is the UK Global Mobility Route, introduced in 2022. This policy facilitates the flexible and streamlined movement of international talent to the UK, replacing and expanding on the older Intra-Company Transfer visa. This move reinforces UK hubs as attractive locations for multinational companies.
The Skills and Work Visa Policy has also undergone adjustments. There is now an increased emphasis on skilled workers, as illustrated by raising the minimum skill threshold for the Skilled Worker route to degree level. This change affects industries reliant on such talent, including creative sectors vital to economic growth.
However, the end of free movement has led to a complex system based on skills, job offers, salary, and English language proficiency. Employers now face new challenges recruiting low-skilled EU workers, impacting sectors like hospitality and construction, and causing businesses to adapt their recruitment strategies.
Post-Brexit policies also prioritise skilled labor, with settlement eligibility limited to graduate-level roles after five years. There are also notable changes in migration patterns, with reduced EU migration but increased non-EU work visas initially, and student migration evolving with routes allowing extended stays post-study.
The effectiveness of these steps hinges on their implementation details. If found to be too limited or complex, they risk failing to adequately address the issue. Despite these challenges, the UK's efforts aim to balance controlling migration while supporting businesses with access to international talent, maintain the competitiveness of European hubs, and provide youth mobility options despite Brexit-induced restrictions.
In conclusion, the recent deal focuses on reintroducing the Youth Mobility Scheme, introducing the UK Global Mobility Route, adjusting Skills and Work Visa Policies, and broadening Migration and Settlement Policies. These changes aim to address the UK's post-Brexit challenges and support the country's primary strength in services.
- As a result of the adjustments made to the Skills and Work Visa Policy, industries that rely on highly skilled workers, such as the creative sectors, now face a raised minimum skill threshold for the Skilled Worker route, necessitating new recruitment strategies.
- The introduction of the UK Global Mobility Route and the reintroduction of the Youth Mobility Scheme are aimed at fostering connections with multinational companies and attracting young EU talent respectively, key elements in the UK's efforts to sustain its competitive edge in the finance and business industries.
