THOUSANDS of EU citizens still do not have permission to stay permanently after Brexit, figures reveal.

Almost half of the 9,750 EU nationals living in Brighton and Hove do not have “settled status” in the UK, Government statistics show.

This means thousands of immigrants will not be able to stay permanently in the city after Brexit.

Anne Ackord, chairwoman of the Tourism Alliance, there would be a “huge shortage” of workers in the industry.

“I would say 60 per cent of workers in the leisure and tourism business are EU nationals,” the Brighton Palace Pier boss said.

“If permanent residency isn’t granted then there will be a huge shortage.

“In the UK we do not value the jobs available within our industry.

“In France, for example, to work in the service industry is a career.

“In the UK it is not regarded as such and we need to change our attitude.”

Ms Ackord said the next Government must recognise the tourism industry needs European workers.

“If we don’t take action and the Government of the day does not support tourism, we will see a decline in the prosperity of our city,” she said.

Tourism is not the only industry reliant on European workers.

Sussex Partnership NHS Trust, which provides mental health services across the county, counted 299 EU citizens in its workforce at the beginning of the year.

To keep these crucial employees, the trust agreed to cover the £65 fee EU citizens must pay to apply for settled status.

That fee has now been lifted for all NHS staff nationally amid fears of shortages.

The uncertainty is felt by many Europeans.

Trainee solicitor Krisztina Miklos, from Hungary, has lived with husband and NHS worker Janos Miklos in Hove for eight years.

The 42-year-old said she did not want to leave the city but she was “ready”.

“My husband and I were going to apply for UK citizenship until 2016,” she said.

“After the referendum we weren’t sure if we should. There’s a lot of uncertainty about our future.

“I’m training to be a solicitor but I’m worried I might not be able to complete it.

“I love living here, everyone is welcoming.

“I don’t want to go back, but if the value of the pound drops we might have to.”

“It’s always in the back of my mind.”