UK Businesses Push for Youth Mobility Deal as Government Remains Cautious

With youth mobility agreements already in place between the UK and countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and Uruguay, many believe it's time for a similar deal with the European Union, the UK’s largest trading partner.

“Striking a similar deal with our largest trading partner should be a no-brainer,”

— Mark Hilton, Policy Delivery Director, BusinessLDN

Hilton emphasized that expanding youth mobility between the UK and the EU would not only strengthen the economy but also foster valuable cultural exchange and international experience for young professionals.

UK Government Hesitant Despite Support

While the EU-UK Youth Mobility Scheme has gained broad support from business leaders and over 70 Labour MPs, the UK government remains cautious about committing fully to the proposal.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged that there are existing limitations on freedom of movement with the EU, and hinted that any agreement reached might be temporary or limited in scope.

“Discussions are under way on several topics. I’m afraid I can’t talk about specifics — there is a negotiation, and it wouldn’t be right to do so.”

— Bridget Phillipson, Education Secretary

Efforts Underway to Reset UK-EU Relations

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is actively working to rebuild relations with the EU, having recently met with European leaders at a London summit. Experts believe that repairing this relationship is critical to restoring economic stability in the post-Brexit era.

According to the Centre for European Reform, a successful reset could boost UK GDP by 0.3% to 0.7%, potentially reversing some of the economic damage caused by Brexit.

EU Plans to Recognise UK Qualifications

In a significant development, the European Union is considering recognising UK professional qualifications to make it easier for British workers to access EU job markets. This move is part of the EU’s upcoming single market strategy, expected to be released later this month ahead of the May 19 summit.

The initiative responds to the UK’s call for fairer mobility conditions for professionals and aims to repair the damaged framework for cross-border employment.

Meanwhile, a report from the London Assembly reveals that Brexit has cost London €35 million and impacted approximately 290,000 jobs, underlining the economic importance of restoring strong ties with Europe.