MPs issue warning over Brexit brain drain of academics

ACADEMICS from the EU must be given guarantees over their future to prevent a “brain drain” of talent, MPs have warned.

Brexit has created “significant uncertainty” for university staff and students, and the international success of the UK’s universities could be put at risk if government does not address concerns within the sector, according to the Commons education select committee.

In a report analysing the impact of the UK leaving the EU on higher education, the committee warns the rights of EU university staff to work and live in the UK must be guaranteed as soon as possible.

EU workers make up about 16 per cent of the UK’s university workforce, the report says, with the numbers growing by over 10,000 in the last six years.

But it notes a recent survey showed that over three-quarters (76 per cent) of European academics at UK universities said they are likelier to consider leaving UK higher education due to the referendum result.

Meanwhile, another poll of academics found 53 per cent of non-UK nationals were actively looking to leave the UK.

The Government must quickly resolve the issue of EU academics’ rights to live in the UK, the committee warns.

It says: “The Government has rightly identified the agreement of the rights of EU nationals as its first priority in the negotiations.

“However, we caution that a delay in confirming these rights will only intensify the current uncertainty for universities, and likely lead to a significant ‘brain drain’ in talented staff.”

The rights of EU nationals must be unilaterally guaranteed by government before the end of the year, if a reciprocal deal is not reached before then, it adds.

The committee also calls for a new “easier” visa route for academics worldwide, with less bureaucracy, to help attract workers to the UK.

In 2015/16, 5.6 per cent of students at UK institutions were from the EU, and a further 13.6 per cent were from non-EU countries, the report says. AUCTION house worker Danny McIlwraith tries on a ram’s head that would have kept people entertained in the Victorian days.

Bonhams in Edinburgh is handling the sale of the snuff mull valued at £3,500 at the sale of Scottish antiquities tomorrow and Thursday.

Also on sale is the Flying Scotsman’s original name-plate and a “cowcatcher” grille designed to remove stray animals, including rams, from the tracks, which has a valuation of about £4,000. Picture: Gordon Terris