'Hard Brexit' threat to skilled workers

Movement of skilled workers

Source: (c) Anyaberkut/iStock

Migration model suggests scientists and other professionals will avoid the UK

A study of the movement of highly-skilled labour across Europe suggests that a ‘hard Brexit’ could have an enormous impact on UK science. Open borders have lured hundreds of thousands of career-minded individuals to relocate within Europe since 2004. This movement of professionals from east to west, from poorer countries to richer, was particularly beneficial for Germany and the UK, the study shows.