Government must do more to reassure EU health workers post-Brexit, says UNISON
EU health staff employed in the UK need guarantees from the government that their jobs and futures are not under threat, UNISON said today (Tuesday).
The referendum result has triggered huge uncertainty among the tens of thousands of workers from Europe who make a vital contribution to the NHS and social care, says UNISON.
UNISON is calling on ministers to guarantee that existing EU staff can continue living and working in the UK without restriction.
The union is also sending a message of support to the 55,000 NHS staff and 80,000 care workers in the UK who come from across Europe.
UNISON head of health Christina McAnea said: “The NHS cannot survive without the tens of thousands of dedicated health staff from across the EU currently working here.
“Following the referendum, workers from Europe – and elsewhere – need to know they are valued hugely, both by the NHS and the people they care for.
“Without these health professionals, the NHS would be facing even greater challenges and patients would be waiting much longer for treatment.
“The Brexit vote has triggered widespread uncertainty and nowhere more so than among NHS workers.
“They need toknow urgently that ministers are committed to protecting their right to live and work in the UK.”
Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen T: 0207 121 5463 M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes T: 0207 121 5255 M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Sophie Goodchild T: 0207 121 5546 M: 07767 325595 E: s.goodchild@unison.co.uk
