Free movement of workers — DNA analysts in the UK

13.11.2012

Question for written answer E-010367-12
to the Commission
Rule 117
Simon Busuttil (PPE)

Persons with the necessary qualifications who would like to take up posts as DNA analysts in the United Kingdom first need to get security clearance from the British police. This security clearance rule applies for posts in the private sector as well as for posts with the British police.

One of the criteria for obtaining this security clearance, however, is that the person applying for it needs to have been a resident of the United Kingdom for at least 3 years.

This criterion is, in fact, excluding many EU citizens from being considered for these posts.

1. Given the effect it is having on EU citizens, does the Commission think that that this criterion is contrary to EC law on the free movement of workers?

2. If so, what does the Commission intend to do in order to bring the criteria applied in these cases in the United Kingdom, into line with EC law?

OJ C 330 E, 14/11/2013