Thursday 2 Feb 2017

May must use White Paper to guarantee status of EU nationals in London

Reacting to reports the Prime Minster will, today, publish a White Paper on the status of EU Nationals currently living and working in the UK, Chief Executive of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Colin Stanbridge said: "This is Theresa May's chance to do what we called for last autumn - reassure employers and employees by granting EU National workers the indefinite right to remain.

"Our study commissioned from the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) found that London's non-UK migrant workers constitute 25% of the capital's workforce, made an estimated £44bn GVA contribution, and paid £13bn taxation revenues in 2015.

"Their contribution to the UK economy is substantial and should be recognised.

"With Brexit on the horizon business needs some certainty. The White Paper can offer that on EU National workers."

LCCI published it's Permits Points and Visas report in November 2016 which proposed EU nationals currently employed in London should be issued with a Visa to allow them to remain working in London after Brexit while future access to migrant workers could be controlled through Work Permits.

ENDS

Media contact
Katharine McGee
T: +44 (0)20 7203 1897
M: +44 (0)7827 241528
E: kmcgee@londonchamber.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITOR:

1. London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is the capital's largest and most representative business organisation, with members ranging in size from multi-national companies to SMEs and sole traders.
2. Colin Stanbridge, chief executive is available for further comment and interview.
3. ComRes surveyed 502 London business decision makers online between 2rd and 22st November 2016. Data was weighted to be representative of all London businesses by company size and broad industry sector. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Data tables are available at www.comresglobal.com
4. To read the Permits points and visas reports click here