The Save Our Travel Jobs petition, which has already secured more than 2,500 signatures, calls for the UK government to strike a deal with the EU to allow Briton to continue working as short-term posted workers across the continent without having to secure visas or work permits from 1 January 2021 onwards.
Seasonal Businesses in Travel (SBIT) says in its petition: “The ability to work across Europe in the holiday industry has not only enriched the lives of all of us that have done it but also given millions of British holidaymakers unforgettable memories and experiences.
“Please let this wonderful practice continue by agreeing with our European partners that young people should be able to work for short periods across Europe without the need for visas or work permits. This could be achieved through an extension of the existing Tier 5 visa regime (Youth Mobility Scheme) to EU countries.
“That is all it would take to save 10,000s of jobs for 18–34-year-olds. This isn’t about immigration. This is about opportunities and jobs for young people across Europe.”
SBIT added that 87% of the 25,000 Brits working in the EU as posted workers were aged between 18 and 34-year-olds. These jobs include reps, chalet hosts, nannies, drivers and logistics managers.
You can view and sign SBIT’s petition here.
Abta’s director of public affairs Luke Petherbridge this week reiterated, in a column for TTG, that the lack of progress on posted workers after the Brexit transition period ends was a “significant challenge”.