British Prime Minister announces EU reforms affecting Slovaks

British Prime Minister David Cameron officially presented a list of reforms he wants carried out by the European Union before Britain holds a referendum on whether to leave the EU, the Pravda daily reported on Wednesday. Some of the demands made will relate directly to Slovaks. The British Government wants to withhold tax bonuses from migrant workers for four years and prevent migrants from claiming child benefits for children living outside the country. It also wants to deport anyone who fails to find work within six months after arriving to the UK, and limit their right to bring over family members. The British prime minister also wishes to speed up the deportation of those who commit crimes and prevent beggars and cheats from operating in the country. The demands had been known for some time, but they were only presented officially on Tuesday. There are thought to be around 100,000 Slovaks living and working in the UK, with the main incentive being work prospects and higher salaries. According to official British statistics, the average salary in the UK in 2014 was €2,378 per month. The Slovak Statistics Office determined that the average salary in Slovakia last year was €858 per month. It has also been claimed however that many Slovaks have gone to the UK primarily to take advantage of the more generous welfare payments. The British referendum on whether to stay or leave the EU is planned to take place in June 2016.