Translation services firm secures funds to pay settled status of EU staff

Global language services provider, thebigword, has revealed it is supporting its 57 EU national staff in their applications for settled status ahead of Britain’s expected imminent departure from the European Union.

Having set funds aside for this purpose, the Leeds-based company is sponsoring all its staff members’ applications for settled status and assisting them throughout the process.

thebigword works with a network of more than 15,000 linguists, many of whom are EU nationals living in the UK.

The firm is also working with the Association of Translation Company’s (ATC) to campaign for priority status for the linguist community living in the UK and providing interpreting for Government agencies and the National Health Service.

As part of the campaign Nihat Arkan, thebigword’s CEO, and Larry Gould, executive chairman, met with Rachel Reeves MP who chairs the Government’s Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee.

Rachel Reeves MP said: “Leaving the European Union will be bad for business and threatens the security of jobs and investment in our country. Local businesses like thebigword are really important for jobs and investment here in Leeds West. Many specialist skills, like those offered by linguists, are essential for thebigword and I hope the Government starts listening to businesses who are worried about Brexit and what it means for jobs and skills.”

Raisa McNab, chief executive officer of the Association of Translation Companies, added: “We are pleased to have the support of thebigword in our efforts to obtain special provisions for interpreters and translators who play a vital role in many of our public services. We will continue to work with thebigword in the coming weeks and months to ensure that the linguist community are supported”

Rachel Reeves, MP also met with employees including staff members from other EU countries living in the UK.

thebigword has formed a Brexit Committee led by the company’s global director of operations, Mark Daley, in order to prepare for every possible outcome

The Brexit Committee will establish the risks to employees, the global linguist community and the business in general. The company has also taken steps to hedge funds and put aside a contingency fund to address any rising challenges when leaving the EU.

Nihat Arkan, thebigword’s CEO, said: “The settlement process is going to cause disruption for businesses and their employees. It’s crucial for the industry to work together to ensure government HR policies help our EU workforce. That’s why we’re doing all we can to make the transition as easy as possible and providing know-how, financial and legal support to all our EU employees.”

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