TWO of Worcestershire's biggest employers are pushing for EU nationals to remain in Britain post-Brexit.

Worcester Bosch and Yamazaki Mazak, two world famous companies who backed Remain, want the next Prime Minister to ensure they are not sent packing.

The two giant firms have asked Worcester MP Robin Walker to intervene and lobby Government ministers over it.

The Conservative politician has already brought it to the attention of the House of Commons, using a debate to push for clarity.

Last week Theresa May, the Home Secretary and possible PM-in-waiting, sparked some controversy by refusing to rule out the prospect of EU nationals living here being deported depending on the negotiations.

Both Yamazaki Mazak and Worcester Bosch rely on foreign nationals from EU countries filling important roles, in common with a whole host of other city employers like the University of Worcester and Titania.

Mr Walker, speaking in parliament, asked immigration minister James Brokenshire to ensure the new PM - whether it be Mrs May or Andrea Leadsom - to make securing their status "the first task".

He said: "Two of the largest inward investors in my constituency, Yamazaki Mazak and Bosch, have asked me to push for the strongest possible negotiation on behalf of EU citizens already in this country being able to stay.

"Many of them, alongside thousands of local people are their employees in Worcester. "I urge him to continue to make this the absolutely first task of our negotiations."

Mr Brokenshire stressed the decision would need to be made "by the new Prime Minister", but added: "The Government fully appreciates the importance of giving certainty to EU citizens when the UK exits the EU.

"Addressing this issue is a priority that we intend to deal with as soon as possible."

Some Conservative MPs have pleaded with Mrs May to assure them that EU nationals will not be deported when the country triggers Brexit.

The likes of Heidi Allen and Flick Drummond have both issued impassioned pleas, urging her not to use migrants' status as part of the negotiations with EU.

But Mrs May insists it would be "absurd" to offer any firm guarantee over their rights to reside here at this point.

Andrea Leadsom, who made a name for herself during the referendum campaign by backing Brexit, has said the EU workers in Britain cannot be used as "bargaining chips" during the Article 50 negotiations.

Worcester Bosch employs 1,000 people in the city, while Mazak has more than 500 workers at its European production site in Warndon.

Before the referendum Worcester Bosch said Britain staying in the EU was a "key driver" for its prospects, while bosses at Mazak revealed how 85 per cent of its business comes from EU nations.