In Which UK Industries EU Citizens Work

After the British voted to leave the European Union one year ago, on June 23, many foreign EU citizens living and working in the United Kingdom got worried that this might have a negative impact on their lives. Shortly after the actual Brexit negotiations had begun this week, British Prime Minister Theresa May has now given assurance that those who already live in the UK can stay and enjoy equal rights.

Most EU citizens working in the UK are employed or self-employed in the wholesale and retail trade sector. As the below infographic shows more than 500,000 of the 2.2 million foreign EU workers are earning their money in this part of the economy. According to the Office of National Statistics, there are almost 3.6 foreign EU nationals living in the UK, of which 2.7 million are in the relevant age bracket of 16 to 64 years.