Brexit Britain’s Building Plan Comes Undone Without Migrants
- Restrictions on skilled EU workers threaten runways, rail
- Not just bankers, baristas; U.K. needs engineers, electricians
Could U.K. Turn Pro-Globalization Stance Into Policy?
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The U.K. wants to build a new high-speed rail line, a giant nuclear plant and a third runway at Europe’s busiest airport to shore up a creaking infrastructure. Brexit could throw a monkey-wrench into the works.
Companies ranging from telecommunications provider BT Group Plc to builder Balfour Beatty Plc to engineering supplier Sevcon Inc. warn that the country already suffers from a shortage of skilled workers. If Prime Minister Theresa May’s government cuts off the supply of European Union migrants who partially close the gap, the U.K. may not have enough cable-layers, carpenters and engineers to carry out those projects.