Researchers fear for ‘vital’ technicians

Ministers must ensure “vital” technicians can still come to the UK to work after Brexit, leading research funders and education organisations warn.

The Russell Group, Cancer Research UK and Universities UK said research institutions could struggle to fill technical roles if current immigration rules are applied to European Economic Area nationals after Brexit.

They said in a joint statement: “Technicians are vital to the success of the UK’S world leading research.

“They are a highly trained part of the workforce with a diverse range of expertise, providing essential support to research and knowledge transfer. “Although most are highly qualified, their skill level, according the current non-eea immigration system, isn’t always high enough for them to be eligible for a working visa.”

Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee chairwoman Rachel Reeves, also warned Brexit could threaten “the cost of medicines, investment in the UK and access to new and innovative research and products”.