UK-qualified businesspeople will now find it easier to work in
Switzerland and vice versa, as a new permanent agreement ensures
professional qualifications can be recognised in both countries,
supporting businesses to grow oversees and driving forward
economic growth.
The UK-Switzerland Recognition of Professional Qualifications
Agreement, which replaces the now expired arrangements under the
Citizens' Rights
Agreement, will ensure UK-qualified professionals in
regulated sectors have a smooth and transparent route for their
qualifications to be recognised in Switzerland.
This will help to put money back in working people's pockets by
making it easier for employers to work between both countries,
increasing trade and strengthening economies on both sides.
The agreement applies to over 200 UK
professions ranging from lawyers and auditors to driving
instructors and cabin crew, and also includes anaesthetists for
the first time.
For regulated professions, the ability to sell services overseas
is often dependant on their qualifications being recognised by
foreign regulators. The agreement could therefore help boost
UK-Swiss trade, already worth £46 billion a year, particularly in
professional and business services, worth £8 billion.
Business and Trade Secretary said:
“As a former trainee solicitor, I know the challenges faced by UK
professionals when working abroad and innovative agreements like
this will make a real difference to our world-class services
sectors.
“As a resolutely pro-business Government, we want to make it as
seamless as possible for UK businesses to operate abroad. With
the UK and Switzerland being two global leaders in services
trade, this agreement is testament to our unwavering commitment
to economic growth.”
The agreement also includes a bespoke route to recognition for
certain legal professionals, so lawyers can become qualified in
the other country after practising for three years. This is vital
as Switzerland is one of the largest and most important export
markets for UK legal services in Europe.
It will make it easier for businesses to deploy their qualified
staff between UK and Swiss locations and safeguard the autonomy
of UK and Swiss professional regulators to set standards and
decide who is fit to practise the profession.
A separate recognition of qualifications deal has also been
signed making it easier for UK-qualified ski instructors to work
in Switzerland, one of the world's leading snowsports
destinations, thanks to the work of the British Association of
Snowsports Instructors and Swiss Snowsports.
This welcome news comes as negotiations continue at pace on an
enhanced UK-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement, aimed at further
strengthening UK-Swiss ties in services, investment and digital
trade and delivering economic growth and jobs across the
UK.
Justice Minister KC said:
“Our lawyers are some of the best in the world and this agreement
will provide exciting opportunities for them to work and practice
in Switzerland.
“Legal services contributed £37 billion to the UK economy in 2023
and this positive step builds on that, strengthening the UK's
legal ties around the globe and boosting our economy.”
RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said:
“We're pleased to see this agreement come into effect. Close
trading ties with our European neighbours are crucial to British
architecture's global success and this agreement helps smooth the
path for practices to export their professional services and
expand beyond borders.
“By exchanging talent, expertise and ideas, both countries have
much to gain. We hope to see architects based in the UK and
Switzerland make the most of this opportunity."
FRC CEO Richard Moriarty:
“Securing mutual recognition agreements with global partners is
good for the future skills and resilience of the UK audit
profession which plays an important role in supporting UK growth.
“This UK-Switzerland Recognition of Professional Qualifications
Agreement will support UK audit firms to export their services
and enhance the profession's ability to trade across the globe.”
Notes to editors
- UK-Switzerland services trade was worth £27 billion in the 12
months to June 2024 .
- UK professional and business services exports were worth £8
billion in the 12 months to June 2024.
