The UK and Australia have officially signed a free trade agreement

The UK & Australia have officially signed a ground-breaking, historic, free trade agreement that will allow Australians 35 years old and under to work in the UK for 3 years, there’s never been a better time to start planning your move to the UK!

After the tumultuous two years that have fallen upon us, isn’t it nice to finally get a bit of good news!

Following an “Agreement in Principle” back in June 2021, on December 17th, 2021 Australia and the UK signed a world-class trade deal, which has an estimated value of $13.3 billion, achieved through eliminating tariffs and opening up sectors, allowing freer movement for service-sector professionals. This is the first trade agreement the UK has negotiated from scratch since leaving the European Union.

A massive win for professionals wanting to move over to the UK from Australia, as British businesses are encouraged to invest in Australia and the working holiday programme will also be expanded allowing 35 year olds and under to apply to work in Britain for 3 years. This greater mobility of labour will help address shortages in both countries.

Australians up to the age of 35 will now be able to apply for a UK work visa and work in the UK for up to 3 years. As the demand in our field of Corporate Accountancy & Finance recruitment for skilled Australians is now bigger than ever, and with these changes expected to come in 2022, if you are thinking of making the move over to the UK NOW is the time to start planning!

I’m currently working on multiple interim opportunities for skilled professionals and after the immensely busy interim desk of 2021, this trajectory is likely to increase as we move through 2022. These roles are a perfect way to get your foot in the door as you make the move over to the UK, if you have an interest in Real Estate and want to grow your career here in the UK please do reach out to me to discuss these opportunities in more detail.

Feel free to contact me to see what the right fit would be for you over in the UK - Whether this be regarding the companies and roles I’m working on or the best locations, restaurants, or pubs…I’ll aim to help!

​Article written by Nicole Brookes-Higgins - Principal Consultant - Real Estate Finance, Interim.