RCVS calls for certainty on Brexit
Some 67 per cent of respondents said they were finding the uncertainty about their future difficult.
The RCVS has called on the government to prioritise giving greater certainty to EU nationals working in the UK in the forthcoming Brexit negotiations.
The call follows the publication of an RCVS report looking at the impact of last year’s referendum vote on overseas vets and veterinary nurses.
The findings show that ongoing uncertainty around the right to work here in the UK is leading many to question whether they should remain in the UK.
“This survey makes the strongest possible case that the Government must act fast to reassure our EU colleagues in practices, universities and industry that they are welcome to stay in the UK,” commented Chris Tufnell, president of the RCVS.
"EU vets and vet nurses make a massive contribution to the UK veterinary sector and the health and welfare of animals and humans.
“I have written to Michael Gove, the new Secretary of State for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, outlining our position and our Brexit Principles and have invited him to visit the RCVS at Belgravia House to discuss these further. I hope that he accepts our offer so that we can have some constructive talks on these matters.”
Key findings
The survey asked overseas vets and vet nurses a range of questions about how they felt that the vote to leave the EU had affected them, how they felt about their future working in the UK and how they felt the College had dealt with the issue of Brexit.
Some 41 per cent of respondents said they were not optimistic about their future, 67 per cent were finding the uncertainty about their future difficult, while 64 per cent felt less welcome. Furthermore, 40 per cent said they were more likely to leave, with 18 per cent actively looking for work outside the UK.
A worrying 16 per cent of respondents said they had personally experienced prejudice at work following the vote to leave the EU, with 22 per cent saying they had observed it.
Some 74 per cent of respondent said they were happy with the support and advice provided by the RCVS so far.
Chris Tufnell adds: “I am very sorry to see that a significant proportion of respondents had experienced prejudice at work. This is simply not acceptable and we, as a regulator, have been conscious that ‘anti-foreigner’ rhetoric in the country at large could have an effect on hard-working and talented members of our profession, which is why we raised the matter in our letter to the Prime Minister last year.”
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
