The number of UK workers in the EU travel industry has dropped by 69%

The latest data from ABTA, the Travel Association, shows that the number of people from the United Kingdom working in the travel industry in the EU has decreased by 69% since 2017. Their research has found that the number of UK workers in the EU fell from 11,970 in 2017 to 3,700 in 2023, with the biggest drop in those aged between 18 and 24 years old.

ABTA says that the decline in the number of Brits working in frontline roles such as holiday reps or ski guides is mainly due to work visa and work permit rules following Brexit.

“The consequences of the loss of these workers go way beyond the impact on individuals or the increased costs of doing business for UK companies, although on both counts, these are significant,” the ABTA statement says.

The main barriers since 2017 have been the cost of obtaining visas or work permits, and other paperwork needed after Brexit, as under the current rules, all Brits need this for seasonal travel jobs.

They also explain that although the Trade and Cooperation Agreement includes provisions for certain workers in the travel industry to operate between the UK and EU for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, this does not cover the length of a typical summer or winter holiday season.

The research also emphasises that there are other barriers, such as limitations on who can fulfil certain job positions within the EU Member States based on qualifications, nationality, and quotas.

Employers in the EU say that the loss of opportunities for nationals of the UK to take roles in the EU travel industry is deeply concerning for the future talent pipeline.