The UK’s labour mobility problem: how do we fix it?
Numerous labour challenges have been reported in the aftermath of Covid and Brexit. Shortages of workers have been evident in numerous sectors such as agriculture, hospitality and health. Lack of appropriate skills have been suggested as a reason for under-investment across the country. Most UK workers face issues in working across the EU, an issue that has been reported frequently by travel and cultural sectors.
For those wishing to visit the UK, new restrictions have curbed school visits while there are long-standing issues with the cost and smallprint of working visas, particularly for smaller business sponsors such as entertainment venues. In negotiating trade agreements, the UK approach to commitments on labour mobility can be a serious problem preventing reciprocal gains. Overall there appear to be numerous problems facing the UK in terms of labour, skills, and mobility. Fixing them would help the economy as well as many individuals.
Questions for discussion
What is the balance between general improvements to skills and mobility, and schemes for specific sectors such as cultural workers?
How do we ensure that domestic skills are prioritised alongside allowing entry of skilled workers?
What formal commitments should be made regarding mobility in UK Free Trade Agreements?
Policy Options
Trade Unlocked 2023’s policy partner, the UK Trade and Business Commission, has recently published a comprehensive report containing policy recommendations to the UK Government.
The UK Trade and Business Commission Blueprint dedicates an entire section to “Create[ing] a UK Visa system fit for purpose”, which contains numerous recommendations that relate to this issue. These cover a “Youth Mobility Visa scheme”, the “EU 'List of Travellers' Scheme”, the “Seasonal worker visa scheme”, “A Visa Waiver Agreement for cultural workers”, “Bilateral agreements with EU Member States”, “A cultural exemption for ATA Carnets”, “Business visitor rules”, “Reciprocal visa arrangements for short-term workers”, and “Address[ing] labour shortages through targeted skills development in the UK”.comprehensive report containing policy recommendations to the UK Government. The UK Trade and Business Commission Blueprint dedicates an entire section to “Create[ing] a UK Visa system fit for purpose”, which contains numerous recommendations that relate to this issue. These cover a “Youth Mobility Visa scheme”, the “EU 'List of Travellers' Scheme”, the “Seasonal worker visa scheme”, “A Visa Waiver Agreement for cultural workers”, “Bilateral agreements with EU Member States”, “A cultural exemption for ATA Carnets”, “Business visitor rules”, “Reciprocal visa arrangements for short-term workers”, and “Address[ing] labour shortages through targeted skills development in the UK”.
The report also recommends that “The UK Government should seek to include a new mobility chapter as part of the 2026 TCA review with the EU in line with the recommendations listed in [...] this report” and with specific regard to universities that “The UK should improve visa treatment for universities to ensure the UK has access to the best talent and expertise from around the world”.