Youth mobility scheme back on the table in EU talks

As part of a post Brexit reset British negotiators are to propose a youth mobility agreement with the EU to allow young workers the right to short term employment in the UK.

According to reports in The Times, the proposals would allow those aged 18-30 the ability to work in the UK for two years with a possible one year extension, with those from Britain the same access to Europe.

To appease immigration concerns it is claimed that the numbers allowed could be capped and that an NHS surcharge would be required of EU workers, who would also not be entitled to benefits.

The plans will be discussed as part of a summit with the EU in London on 19 May. It is reported that a number of EU countries say youth mobility is essential to a deal, which will also likely include talks around checks on exports of food and plant products, fishing rights and agricultural checks, as well as security and defence.

UKHospitality has long championed the expansion of the young mobility scheme to include the EU to benefit hospitality.

Chief executive Kate Nicholls said last year: “The sharing of cultures, cuisines and knowledge have long been the bedrock of the UK’s world-leading hospitality sector and agreements like youth mobility schemes have been a key part of that success.

“We have been calling for these schemes to be expanded and I’m pleased to see the EU Commission coming to the table with a plan to open negotiations.”