There is another thing to consider here. British translators work for the EU but if foreigners start translating into English that will mean less need for big English language units staffed with Brits so Britain will lose out in terms of the numbers of Brits employed. The government should react!

Michael D, Margate, England

I've been on to the EC's website many a time looking for work as a translator. Whenever I've visited, they've only been accepting applications from agencies to deal with large bulks of work. Perhaps if the situation is so desperate, it should let individual freelancers apply. I'm not so bad!

A Baldwin, Portsmouth,

We have a single European Currency, which is called the Euro. Why not have a Single European Language also beginning with the letter "E" and call it English? It would save a fortune in translation and wages of translators and the EU would not have to worry about the British being bad at languages.

Michael, Bromyard, England

Where Can I apply ??

I am fluent in French and Spanish having worked for years in both countries, and I did my A levels in a time before the government demagogues such as Estelle Morris started to interfere with the grades for their own tick box political adgendas.

Marcus, Sheffield, UK

@ Paul C

I agree, kids simple are not interested I work in a specialist language collage and we have class with just 3 kids in.

As for British society ofc its broken, political correctness and labour killed of self reliance and personal responsibility, now people just have to jump thought hoops.

Mr Jones, Liverpool, England

@ Paul C

I think if this is the case (and it may well be) then there is something very wrong with British society and it needs to change. Yes you can go practically anywhere, speak English and be understood, however that does not mean that you will be liked or respected.

Chris, Grenoble, France

@ Paul C

That might be so, the reason why british applicants fail though, is that they are obviously not as well educated as their european counterparts. Hence the 80 % failing rate.

Chris, Germany,

The answer is simple.
The majority of British people aren't interested in Europe or learning its languages.
Brussels and the Stalinist mob dictating Europe should get this!

Paul C, Harlow, England