Reacting to last night’s vote by Members of Parliament to overturn amendments aimed at guaranteeing the rights of EU citizens in the UK, Margaret Thomas, UNISON Cymru Regional Secretary said,
“It’s a disgrace that the government is using EU nationals living and working here and contributing so much to our society, as negotiating chips. They deserve better than to be used as pawns.
“From the tremendous work they undertake in all of our public services to the valuable role they play in our communities, EU nationals should be made to feel welcome. Patients and their families know Welsh hospital staff and carers come from nations across the world. The good service and dedication of non-UK workers make our country the success it is.
“Not only do they help to keep our public services going, they pay more into public finances than they take out. The removal of those staff would be extremely damaging and could stretch resources to breaking point. We need a commitment now that their right to remain here will not be affected.”
UNISON will also fight to ensure basic worker protections are not swept aside with Brexit.