The United Kingdom and the European Union have agreed to move forward on a youth mobility scheme that would make it easier for young people to live and work across both regions. The plan is part of a broader redefinition of UK-EU relations following Britain’s departure from the bloc in 2020.
The scheme aims to provide a dedicated visa route for young people from both the UK and the 27 EU member states to work, study, volunteer or travel for limited periods in each other’s territories. The visa system would be based on mutual agreement and would include controls to ensure the overall number of participants is acceptable to both sides.
The proposal forms part of a wider reset in relations, which also covers trade, defence and regulatory cooperation. The initiative is widely considered the most substantial step taken since Brexit.
The announcement comes shortly after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed his commitment to tightening immigration rules, including measures to restrict overseas recruitment, particularly for lower-skilled roles and the care sector. Despite this, Starmer has described the deal as providing the UK with “unprecedented” access to the EU market. The agreement will also see the return of pet passports and enable British travellers to use EU e-gates.
Business and recruitment sectors respond to proposal
The UK recruitment industry has reacted positively to the proposed youth mobility agreement. Neil Carberry, Chief Executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), described the move as a practical improvement that could reduce barriers to trade and labour access.
He said, “Talent businesses support the growth of the economy, and any changes that speed that growth help recruiters and employers alike. Sensible steps to remove barriers to trade at the border, without re-opening the Brexit debate, will be welcomed by businesses.”
Carberry also warned that the success of the scheme would depend on its details. “The real test will be in the fine print because if it is too limited or complex, it risks falling flat,” he said. He added that Brexit had accelerated the departure of EU nationals from the UK and weakened the country’s position as a base for European business operations.
Simon Kenny, Immigration and Global Mobility partner at Spencer West LLP, welcomed the potential impact of a youth mobility scheme. He noted that many employers struggle with the current process of hiring young EU workers for short-term roles or internships.
“A Youth Mobility Scheme would remove many barriers to young EEA citizens accessing the UK’s labour market temporarily and assist regarding many vacancies which are currently hard to fill,” he said.
Impact on skills and talent access remains under review
Tania Bowers, Global Public Policy Director at the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo), said the proposed scheme would help develop skills and improve employment prospects in key sectors.
“The UK has needed a stronger trade deal with the EU since it left the Bloc and while the finer details of any mutual youth mobility scheme may not be announced today, the current discussions suggest that the deal will have a positive impact on the movement of young people to work and study,” she said.
Bowers also noted the significance of services within the wider UK-EU reset, pointing to progress on professional qualifications and easier access for UK travellers, and the upcoming launch of initiatives to attract top scientists.
However, Bowers said that the details of implementation would determine the scheme’s effectiveness.
“UK employers don’t need another period of uncertainty or renegotiation, so now really is the time for a deal to be right,” she said. “The only way that can happen will be for the Government to work in close collaboration with those that will be impacted by any changes on a day-to-day basis. If any youth mobility scheme is to be successful, employers and recruiters must be part of the process.”
