Could this new EU proposal on free movement solve our labour shortage?
This week saw the EU propose opening negotiations with the UK to allow 18–30-year-olds free movement for up to four years. Such movement would not restrict people’s ability to undertake different activities during their stay, nor would it be subject to any quotas.
This softening of their previously hard-line on such concessions is a major shift in EU/UK relations and could pave the way for a more pragmatic way to fill the skills gap left by Brexit. While this must first be agreed by leaders at the European Council, which meets next May, it would potentially bring a raft of benefits for young people and businesses.