Brexit concerns raised by third sector

The concerns of stakeholders from across society on the possible impacts of Brexit have been highlighted by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon during a speech in Glasgow to leaders from the third sector.

Following the launch of the Scottish Government’s £150,000 Brexit Stakeholder Engagement Fund in May 2018, 11 projects across the country have been examining the impacts that Brexit may have on communities in Scotland. 

As these groups have now started reporting back, several common themes have emerged, including:

• Concerns over citizens’ rights – both those of EU citizens living in Scotland, and over the future opportunities for young Scots to live, work and study in the EU

• The recruitment and retention of suitably skilled staff, both seasonal and permanent

• The loss of funding and support previously provided by the EU

At ‘The Gathering’ third sector networking event, hosted by the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations, the First Minister said:

“Leaving the EU will have a major impact on every aspect of our economy, and our society. There are, however, very specific implications for our third sector which benefits so much from EU funding and that often works with the most vulnerable in society – those who will be hit hardest by the effects of Brexit.

“The information we have received so far from those groups supported by the Stakeholder Engagement Fund has confirmed that Brexit is causing great anxiety and uncertainty to individuals, businesses and communities across Scotland.

“We will continue to work with all relevant stakeholders to plan how best to mitigate negative impacts wherever possible, while also calling on the UK Government to rule out the disaster of a ‘no deal’ Brexit, which would be so damaging to all aspects of our society.”

Background

The different organisations and projects that have received funding through the Brexit Stakeholder Fund are:

• Scottish Rural Action
• Children in Scotland
• My Life My Say & Social Bite
• Midlothian Voluntary Action
• Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire
• EU Citizens Rights Project
• Health and Social Care Alliance
• RSNO
• Scottish Islands Federation
• YouthLink Scotland
• Perth and Kinross Association of Voluntary Services

Individual groups will publish their reports once finalised.