BusinessLDN is urging the Government to prioritise an ambitious Youth Mobility Scheme with the European Union as the Prime Minister prepares to host a major UK-EU summit next week.
The summit in London on Monday is a critical milestone for the Government’s pledge to reset the UK’s relationship with European allies, providing an opportunity to strengthen our economic links – within negotiating red lines – to boost growth.
Analysis by the Centre for European Reform suggests that establishing such a scheme could increase UK GDP by between 0.4 and 0.45 per cent over the next decade.
Mark Hilton, Policy Delivery Director at BusinessLDN, said: “With youth mobility agreements already in place with countries including Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay, striking a similar deal with our largest trading partner should be a no-brainer.
“Giving more young people opportunities to live, work and study in the UK temporarily in a controlled way – and vice versa – would boost the economy while also delivering considerable value through cultural exchange and soft power.
“The Government should seize the moment to agree an ambitious Youth Mobility Scheme with the EU to benefit people on both sides of the Channel and bolster our economies at a time of geopolitical uncertainty.”
The UK currently has a youth mobility scheme visa which is open to people from 13 non-EU different countries, including Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Iceland, Uruguay, Hong Kong and Andorra.