UK ANNOUNCES BIG STEP FORWARD IN SWISS TALKS
UK ANNOUNCES
BIG STEPS FORWARD
WITH SWISS GOVERNMENT
We knew the Swiss were sitting down with UK negotiators this month.
It’s part of a big trade deal negotiation and so we expected some news at some point.
But what we didn’t expect was part of the negotiations to already be finalised.
And we didn’t know that BASI had been very busy behind the scenes getting better and clearer recognition for BASI ski instructor qualifications.
The UK government press release was keen to underline that these talks included rights for ski instructors.
But that’s not all – our sources say there is more to come…
FIRST: A DETAILED AND FORMAL RECOGNITION OF BASI QUALIFICATIONS
BASI qualifications have been recognised in Switzerland for years – ski schools accept them and the qualifications can be used to gain the equivalent Swiss qualification.
But there wasn’t a formal system of recognition in place so it seems every individual was treated on a case-by-case basis.
This new recognition is mostly about BASI 3 and 4 qualifications, but it gives the whole BASI system a more solid relationship with Switzerland.
The real benefit is in the willingness to work together between the Swiss and British authorities – and that shows the direction of travel of the talks and the positive attitude of both sides.
NEXT: THE DIRECTION OF THE NEGOTIATIONS IS REALLY IMPORTANT
The news today isn’t just exciting because we know that BASI have secured a more formal and deeper relationship with the authorities.
Because the focus on today’s announcement has been about making it easier for Swiss people to work in the UK and for British workers to get jobs in Switzerland.
But the key thing is that it’s not just about the qualifications. The right to work also needs to be addressed.
That means work permits.
For anyone British applying for a role in Switzerland, the only way to access a work permit is to have a degree level qualification and to be applying for a post that had not been filled by a Swiss worker due to the specific requirements.
Sadly that didn’t mean ski instructors could work.
However all of these negotiations and agreements are moving in a really, really good direction.
Plus the Swiss and the UK have agreed to have everything resolved by July of this year.
And we have been told (off the record) that the next steps for the discussions will include working out a mutually acceptable way for work permits to be issued to British workers – and that would be amazing for ski instructors.
SO IF YOU QUALIFY NOW, YOU COULD BE
TEACHING IN SWITZERLAND NEXT WINTER
If the rumours are true – and we have to say we have very good sources and today’s announcement is really encouraging – we could be looking at work permits being confirmed by mid-summer.
That means if you get the BASI 1 and 2 this spring or even next autumn, a full season teaching skiing in Switzerland could be ahead of you.
It’s a huge opportunity and we are massively encouraged by the developments and the direction these talks are taking.