Translation company calls for clarity on EU workers ahead of Brexit decision

TRANSLATION FIRM thebigword wants to campaign for EU linguists to be given priority status following the UK’s expected departure from the European Union.

With less than 80 days until Britain’s expected departure, the Leeds firm said it “has been putting in place plans for all eventualities”.

The business works with a network of over 15,000 linguists, many of which are EU nationals living in the UK.

It is now working with the Association of Translation Companies to campaign for priority status for the linguist community living in the UK and providing interpreting.

Nihat Arkan, thebigword’s Global chief executive and Larry Gould, executive chairman, have met with Rachel Reeves MP who chairs the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee in Westminster. They shared concerns about the uncertain status of linguists and the company’s campaign for priority status.

Chief executive officer of the Association of Translation Companies, Raisa McNab, said: “We are pleased to have the support of thebigword in our efforts to obtain special provisions for interpreters and translators who play a vital role in many of our public services.

“We will continue to work with thebigword in the coming weeks and months to ensure that the linguist community are supported.”

Thebigword has also formed a Brexit committee led by the company’s global director of operations, Mark Daley.

With the shape of Brexit still to be defined, the committee has been tasked with preparing for every possible outcome.

The Brexit committee is charged with establishing the risks to employees, the global linguist community and the business in general.

The company has taken steps to hedge funds and put aside a contingency fund to address any rising challenges upon the EU exit.