The Scottish Government has pledged to work with rural charities and other employers to ensure EU citizens feel valued

Rural charities are being advised that support is on hand to help workers from the European Union to stay in Scotland.

Fergus Ewing MSP, Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy, has written to organisations that employ EU citizens to recognise the important contributions they make to rural economies.

The Scottish Government’s Stay in Scotland campaign aims to raise awareness of the EU Settlement Scheme – which will allow EU workers to remain after Brexit – and highlights how the contributions made by EU citizens are valued.

To date, only 42% of EU nationals in Scotland have made applications to stay after Brexit and Ewing has said it’s important that the Scottish Government and employers work together to allow EU workers to feel that they are welcome to remain in Scotland.

“The Scottish Government greatly values the huge contribution EU citizens make to our communities, culture, skills base and economy,” Ewing said.

“As Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy, I know from firsthand experiences that EU citizens make an important contribution across many sectors in our rural and coastal communities. EU citizens are our friends, our colleagues, our neighbours, our clients and customers, and in many cases our family. We value them and want them to stay.

“In our engagement with EU citizens across Scotland, many people have highlighted the importance and value of clear and supportive comments from their employers, and the confidence that gives them to continue living here.

“We therefore believe it is crucial for us to work together to make sure that, in this difficult time, EU citizens’ rights are protected and they are provided with information, guidance and help that allows them to remain living and working in Scotland.”

An employer toolkit and other materials are available from the Stay in Scotland website and printed materials can be requested by emailing [email protected]