Call to devolve migration

Figures published today showing a massive fall in the number of EU citizens choosing to join the education workforce in Scotland demonstrates why migration powers must be devolved, Deputy First Minister John Swinney has said.   

The General Teaching Council for Scotland data shows only 14 EU teachers from six nations have applied for registration so far in 2018, a dramatic drop from previous years.

Today he has repeated calls for migration to be devolved to the Scottish Government, accountable to the Scottish Parliament, to ensure a system that is tailored to meets Scotland’s needs.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “Scotland voted clearly and decisively to remain within the European Union and we have repeatedly demonstrated that this is the best option for Scotland’s future.

“These figures show the stark reality of Brexit. Already highly-skilled and hard-working EU citizens are thinking twice about choosing to live and teach in Scotland which will not only have a negative impact on the education workforce but our economy and society as a whole.

“Last year we had citizens from almost every EU member country applying for GTCS registration but, so far this year, citizens from just six countries have applied to live and work in Scotland. And the head of the GTCS - the independent body that registers teachers - has today made plain that Brexit is driving this slump.

“Once again this underlines the clear case for the Scottish Government, accountable to the Scottish Parliament, to set the rules for a migration system tailored to meet the country’s needs.

“It is vital we continue to attract the very best candidates to work within the Scottish education system regardless of their nationality, our young people deserve no less.”