22 The Linguist Vol/58 No/1 2019
ciol.org.uk/tl
FEATURES
responded. Not surprisingly, the largest
group of respondents (39%) was that of UK
nationals living in the UK, followed by EU
nationals living in the UK (18.6%). Among the
other survey participants, 12% hold dual
UK/EU nationality and live in the UK and 11%
are UK nationals living in another EU country.
IMPACT OF THE REFERENDUM RESULT
The survey began with a broad question
asking members to rate the impact the
referendum result has already had on their
business or work. More than two-fifths (42%)
indicated that the impact has been negative
or very negative, with only 8% reporting a
positive impact (see chart opposite). Outlining
the reasons for this, 24% said it was a result of
their concerns about the future after Brexit,
28% said it was due to developments beyond
their control, and 33% said it was due to both
of these elements. Although 19% said there
had been no impact on their business or
work as yet, some said they feared negative
repercussions after the UK leaves the EU.
Those living in the UK noted an alarming
change in attitude towards non-UK nationals.
One lamented: "The increasing xenophobia
which is manifested on a daily basis in the UK
in acts of hatred and ignorance aimed at
foreigners generally, creating a climate in
As we go to press, the final deal remains uncertain, but at the end
of 2018, CIOL members voiced their concerns and hopes for Brexit
whatever happens on 29 March. Deborah Butler outlines the results
The likely impact of the UK's departure from
the European Union is a major consideration
for a large number of CIOL members. At the
time of going to press, the form that this
departure is to take was still uncertain, as
Parliament had rejected the Prime Minister's
deal amid growing demands for a second
referendum. As one member put it: "It's not
over until the fat lady sings."
In December 2018, CIOL held a snap
survey to see if members' concerns about
Brexit had changed since our 2016 survey,
and to assess the effect of the referendum
result over the last 2.5 years. The survey
lasted for one week and 583 members
THE BREXIT effect
IMAGES
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