New Qualifications Agreement Simplifies Professional Recognition
The UK and Switzerland have finalized a new agreement that ensures professional qualifications from one country can be recognized in the other, replacing the transitional arrangements that were in place since the UK’s departure from the EU.
This agreement, which comes into force ahead of the Business Secretary’s visit to Davos, is part of a broader effort to strengthen services trade between the two nations.
Broad Range of Professions Covered
The agreement applies to over 200 UK professions, including lawyers, auditors, driving instructors, cabin crew, and for the first time, anaesthesia associates. This comprehensive coverage will significantly ease the process for UK-qualified professionals to work in Switzerland and vice versa.
For instance, lawyers can now become qualified in the other country after practicing for three years, a bespoke route that Switzerland particularly needs, given its status as one of the largest export markets for UK legal services in Europe.
Economic and Industry Impact
Some Relevant Statistics
- Over 200 UK professions covered by the agreement
- UK-Switzerland trade in services valued at £8 billion annually
- Total UK-Switzerland trade worth £46 billion annually
Leadership Response
This agreement will make a real difference to our world-class services sectors. As a former trainee solicitor, I know the challenges faced by UK professionals when working abroad, and innovative agreements like this will help put money back in working people’s pockets by making it easier for employers to work between both countries.
Jonathan Reynolds, Business and Trade Secretary
The Business and Trade Secretary’s comments highlight the government’s commitment to making it seamless for UK businesses to operate abroad, reflecting a pro-business stance that aims to drive economic growth.
Progress and Targets
- Current UK-Switzerland trade valued at £46 billion annually
- Expected increase in services trade following the agreement
- Ongoing talks for an upgraded UK-Switzerland trade deal to further strengthen services trade
Local and Sector-Specific Impact
The agreement will have a significant impact on various sectors, particularly in legal services and snowsports.
For example, the British Association of Snowsports Instructors and Swiss Snowsports have collaborated to make it easier for UK-qualified ski instructors to work in Switzerland, one of the world’s leading snowsports destinations.
Immediate Implications
The implementation of this agreement will immediately simplify the process for UK-qualified professionals to work in Switzerland, thereby enhancing their career opportunities and, in turn, facilitating smoother business operations between the two countries.
Broader Significance
This agreement underscores the UK’s strategy to diversify and strengthen its international relationships post-Brexit, particularly in the realm of professional services.
It sets a precedent for future mutual recognition agreements with other countries, aligning with the UK’s goal of becoming a global leader in services trade.