Blair's Cabinet Debated Delaying Employment Rights for New EU Workers in 2004 - PRESS AI WORLD
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Blair's Cabinet Debated Delaying Employment Rights for New EU Workers in 2004

share-iconTuesday, December 31 comment-icon3 weeks ago 8 views
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Blair's Cabinet Debated Delaying Employment Rights for New EU Workers in 2004

Credited from: BBC

  • Newly released files show senior ministers urged Prime Minister Tony Blair to postpone granting employment rights to eastern European workers during the 2004 EU expansion.
  • At that time, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw emphasized the UK's unique approach, as Britain was set to allow workers from EU countries like Poland to work immediately.
  • Concerns were raised about effects on social housing, particularly in London, with deputy PM John Prescott expressing worries over potential overcrowding.
  • Home Secretary David Blunkett countered, arguing the UK economy needed the productivity boost from new workers.
  • The workers registration scheme was implemented, requiring new arrivals to register and pay a fee, aiming to maintain control over immigration numbers.

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