Policy Press
Available open access digitally under CC-BY-NC-ND licence. This unique research paints a vivid picture of migrant workers' experiences during the turbulent times of Brexit and COVID-19. It explores their legal struggles and sheds much-needed light on the crucial role of NGOs helping migrants navigate them.
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Available open access digitally under CC-BY-NC-ND licence.

This book offers an in-depth exploration of the lives of EU migrant workers in the UK following Brexit and COVID-19.

Drawing on a longitudinal study, the book delves into the legal problems migrant workers face and sheds much-needed light on the hidden interactions between the law and communities around issues such as employment, housing, welfare and health. Through personal narratives and insights gathered from interviews, it reveals how (clustered) legal problems arise, are resolved and often bypass formal legal resolution pathways.

This is an invaluable resource that provides a rich picture of everyday life for migrant workers in the UK and highlights the vital role of NGOs working to support them.

"A vital text revealing the realities of Brexit from the perspectives of those at the coalface. Methodologically innovative, the study offers a rich, and multi-faceted analysis, from the micro to the macro and everything in between. The authors give a characteristically sensitive and compelling insight into the lives of EU nationals in low paid positions. The accounts are moving, sometimes disturbing, but always enlightening. The book is full of original observations; the exploration of the disruption caused by administratively ‘othering’ EU nationals, and the deep dive into ‘pragmatic law’ – the ways people approach their problems on an everyday basis – make this a must-read for any socio-legal scholar." Charlotte O’Brien, University of York

“A unique book which enriches our understanding of the extreme precariousness facing many EU migrants within the UK and the changing role of the advice sector in providing crucial support.” Nicole Busby, University of Glasgow

Catherine Barnard is Professor of European Union Law and Employment Law, Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, and Senior Fellow, UK in a Changing Europe.

Fiona Costello is Research Associate, University of Cambridge, and Fellow of St Edmund’s College, Cambridge.

Sarah Fraser Butlin is Fellow of Selwyn College, Cambridge, and a barrister at Cloisters Chambers, London.

1. Themes, Issues and Methods

2. The Town, The Street, The House and The Advice Charity

3. Immigration and the EU Settlement Scheme

4. Employment

5. Housing

6. Welfare Benefits and Debt

7. Access to Healthcare

8. Drawing the Threads Together

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