The challenges and opportunities Brexit presents to the veterinary workforce of the UK

19.05.2017 On Thursday the 23rd of June 2016 the British public were asked if the UK should leave the European Union (EU). Following a highly publicised campaign containing unsubstantiated claims from both “brexiters” and “remainers” 51.9% of voters voted to leave the EU. The UK government consequently initiated the official EU withdrawal process on the 29th of March 2017, putting the country on track to complete the withdrawal process by 30th of March 2019. Whilst this in theory could change, particularly with the announcement of a new general election set to take place on the 8th of June 2017, it is unlikely to and attention has now shifted on negotiating the best exit deal for the UK. Brexit will have a profound impact across the UK and the veterinary sector is no exception. Currently under the EU directive 2005/36/EC, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) must register vets with qualifications awarded by any EU institution, these do not have to be registered by the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE). In recent years nearly half of vets registering in the UK qualified from elsewhere in the EU. Some sectors, such as meat hygiene where is estimated 95% of veterinary surgeons graduated overseas, depend very heavily on EU graduates. It is unknown whether the current system of mutual recognition of qualifications will continue, however what is clear is any reduction in EU registrations would reduce workforce numbers significantly and consequently impact on public health, animal welfare and economic production. It is important to note that both the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the RCVS have spoken strongly about the need to protect the working rights of those vets, vet nurses and vet students from the EU currently studying and working in the UK. This has been included in both of their Brexit negotiation principles and will continue to be a high priority in negotiations. The potential shortfall in working veterinary surgeons could be counteracted by increasing the number of veterinary graduates the UK produces, however sufficient funding and time must be given to do so. Research into why UK graduates are unwilling to work in some sectors is vital to prevent producing more graduates interested in already oversubscribed areas, which would do little to solve the problem. Whilst increasing the numbers of veterinary graduates will help the problem, research into why many current graduates leave the profession must also take place. It has recently been reported that retention problems exist and employers find it hard to recruit experienced veterinary surgeons. In order to create a sustainable veterinary workforce the reasons behind this must be understood. Brexit also creates an opportunity for evaluating the roles of veterinary paraprofessionals, such as veterinary nurses. We have a highly skilled professional workforce that may be underutilised. Investing in upskilling and upscaling the veterinary nursing profession should be a priority in order to produce an adaptable and adept workforce. Reforming the mutual recognition of qualifications may also bring secondary benefits and improve the standard of care provided to animals in the UK. Graduates from other internationally recognised organisations such as American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) could also be eligible for mutual recognition. This opens up the veterinary profession in the UK internationally and ensures the UK remains active on the global stage. If restrictions were to be placed on freedom of movement for veterinary surgeons, focusing these on graduates from non-EAEVE registered vet schools, who currently do benefit from the mutual recognitions of qualifications may help to increase standard of care provided. Whilst Brexit certainly presents some challenges for the UK veterinary workforce, there is also several opportunities to create a more resilient and sustainable profession. If you wish to read more about BVA’s and RCVS’ negotiation principles follow the links below. http://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-events/brexit/brexit-principles/ https://www.bva.co.uk/uploadedFiles/Content/News,_campaigns_and_policies/Policies/BVA-principles-for-negotiating-Brexit.pdf