Today's announcement that the first stage of Brexit negotiations has made sufficient progress to move on to the next level will be welcomed by workers and businesses across the county.

Both sides have agreed that EU nationals in the UK will have the same rights after Brexit as they enjoyed before. This ends months of uncertainty for the 3.7 million EU citizens currently living in the UK.

Nigel Costley, regional secretary, TUC South West said: "Trade unions know that many EU workers remain anxious for their future. Union reps are working with employers every day to limit the risks of losing key staff. From distribution firms in Avonmouth to hospitals across Bristol, from aerospace engineers to restaurants, our economy relies on workers from the EU."

It is also highly unsettling for business. Gardiner Bros & Co (Leathers) Ltd is based in Quedgeley and distributes footwear and workwear to the retail trade. Established in 1860, it has over 150 years of experience.

James Gardiner, CEO of Gardiner Bros, said: "EU workers from outside the UK play a very important role in our business. They deserve unequivocal certainty about their right to remain here, whatever the outcome of the Brexit negotiations."

Ian Mean, director of Gloucestershire Chamber of Commerce, said James Gardiner's account was just one of many across Gloucestershire and underlined the human cost and disruption to businesses that the previous uncertainty over guarantees for the rights of EU citizens had caused.

What do you think? Email mark@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk