Unions chief demands May allow EU nationals to stay in Britain after Brexit

The prime minister should show leadership by ending the uncertainty for EU migrants and allowing them to stay in Britain after Brexit, the head of the TUC has said.

Frances O’Grady made the call in a rare joint intervention with Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC).

The pair sent an open letter to Theresa May, urging her to make the commitment unilaterally, saying it was both the moral option as well as being pro-business, as it would reduce uncertainty.

They said such a move would “send a clear signal to our colleagues and to our European friends that Britain is committed to doing the right thing.”

“The government must hold to account the small number of unethical employers who exploit migrant workers to undercut pay and conditions of employment,” they add.

Around two million people from other EU nations live and work in this country.

O’Grady said: “This uncertainty is hugely worrying for working people and their families who have made Britain their home.”

“It’s the right thing to do. But it’s also about what is right for Britain too. Continued doubt about the status of workers from the rest of the EU is bad for business, and it puts services like the NHS at risk.”

“The government must also crack down on the minority of employers who exploit migrants and undercut wages in the local community”

Marshall, BCC director general said: “Business communities across the UK are deeply frustrated that ministers have declined to guarantee the residence rights of their EU employees and colleagues. Some firms are already losing key members of staff due to this avoidable uncertainty.

“It is within the government’s gift to give an early Christmas present to businesses and employees across the country, and make an unequivocal commitment that EU citizens currently working here will have a permanent right to remain in the UK. Such a move before the start of a complex Brexit negotiation would be bold, but it is the right thing to do for the individuals affected, for the businesses that employ them, and for the economy as a whole.”