In the UK in 2018, 7% of workers in the construction industry were EU27 nationals, compared with 6% in all other UK industries (Office for National Statistics, 2018). As members of the construction industry, we wish to affirm and celebrate the valuable contribution that these EU27 nationals have made to our industry.

The members of the UK construction industry want everyone to know, that no matter where you are from, including EU27 nations, you are welcome here as #ConstructionIsOpen.

We encourage everyone to reach out and support EU27 nationals during these challenging times and sign up to the #ConstructionIsOpen pledge below.

#ConstructionIsOpen

By signing the #ConstructionisOpen Pledge, I acknowledge that EU27 nationals are welcome here and will be proactive by carrying out an action from suggestions below:

1. I will be open and sensitive to the situation that EU27 nationals and their families currently experience in the UK.

2. I will express my welcome, understanding and support to EU27 colleagues here and thank them for the contribution they have made to the UK.

3. I will help identify the needs of EU27 colleagues and do my best to provide support [1],[2].

4. I will encourage employers to provide information and assistance to their workers in completing their Settled Status applications [2],[3].

5. I will request professional institutions to provide information and assistance to their members on remaining in this country [4].

6. I will express my support and concern on social media [5].

7. I will share my awareness that the current voting rights for EU27 nationals (in local elections) are not guaranteed with Settled Status rights (June 2019) [6].

   
   

[1] Guidance is provided by #ConstructionisOpen. EU27 nationals could join UK citizenship for EU nationals (UKCEN) on Facebook, a group that provides useful support and advice on completing Settled Status and citizenship applications.

[2] More information is available from the3million. Sign up to their newsletter circulation list to get regular updates. They have also prepared guidance on Settled Status, which is available here.

[3] For example this could take the form of hosting an information event.

[4] This could include assistance with completing Settled Status applications and hosting an information event as suggested by #ConstructionisOpen. Support and guidance on how to do this effectively is available from the3million.

[5] For example using hashtags #ConstructionisOpen and #EU27RWelcome

[6] If EU27 nationals want to maintain their current voting rights, this entails applying for British citizenship. This is an expensive and can be a long process (£1700 fee, plus the cost for legal advice and other expenses).

Once you commit to this pledge, your name will be added onto our Twitter feed as evidence of your commitment to supporting EU27 nationals.