03 Aug
2017

Preparing our policy positions for Brexit

Over the summer, ABTA is busy conducting detailed work across a range of policy areas to strengthen our Brexit position. This is in preparation for the second phase of negotiations, which will look at future trading arrangements. We know that UK travellers are a resilient bunch, and maintaining consumer confidence in overseas travel is a priority for ABTA during these uncertain times. 

In recent months, we have been meeting political decision-makers both here in the UK and in Brussels to ensure our voice is heard. Over the coming weeks and months, we will be making a robust case to both the UK government and in the EU for pragmatic and sustainable policy solutions which provide businesses with stability and certainty, whilst reinforcing consumer confidence. 

As part of this ongoing policy work, ABTA is today encouraging Members to complete a short online survey on the use of the EU’s Posted Workers Directive. The survey is designed for companies that employ seasonal staff to work abroad, is completely anonymous, and should take no more than 5 minutes to complete.

Together with MPI Brokers, a travel insurance provider, as well as AITO, BIBA, and the ITT, ABTA is aiming to collate detailed data on the use of the Directive by travel companies for our lobbying efforts with the Department for Exiting the European Union and EU stakeholders.

I strongly encourage Members to complete this survey, as the data collected will be an invaluable resource in ABTA’s conversations with the UK Government and European stakeholders over the coming weeks and months. We know that seasonal staff are widely used across the industry, for example, by coach companies, ski operators and as travel representatives in resorts, but little robust data exists to evidence the value of the Directive to our sector. If we are to make a compelling case for preserving a similar arrangement in the future, it is important we can produce an evidence base to back up our arguments.

Your help with this survey would be very much appreciated.

Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive

complete survey