Employers optimistic about post-Brexit hiring

A poll of 500 senior decision-makers from large companies shows two-fifths expect Brexit to have a positive impact on recruitment.

File photo dated 19/11/08 of workers in a factory, as a study shows that half of manufacturing firms are braced for a decline in economic conditions this year although they still expect to increase sales.
Image: The research covered a range of economic sectors including manufacturing and construction
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British employers are optimistic about their ability to recruit qualified employees after Britain leaves the EU, despite currently relying on workers from the continent to fill around 30% of available jobs.

The poll, carried out by skills organisation City and Guilds, surveyed 500 senior decision-makers from large companies across a range of UK economic sectors, including construction, education and the financial industry.

It found that 26% felt Brexit would not have any impact on their ability to find and hire competent employees, while more than two-fifths (42%) went further and said they expected it to have a positive effect on recruitment.

This is despite 18% of respondents reporting that they rely on EU staff for more than half of their workforce at present, and almost nine out of 10 (87%) agreeing that they currently have trouble finding the right staff to fill vacant positions.

The official plan for Brexit is laid out in an official Government document
Image: Confidence in post-Brexit hiring was highest in the capital

Confidence was highest in London, with almost half of the capital's employers predicting a positive impact on hiring post-Brexit.

Kirstie Donnelly, managing director of City and Guilds, said that the results were heartening in a time of great uncertainty in the UK economy.

"Of course, we still don't know what is going to happen, but it's encouraging to see optimism among employers," she said.

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"I hope this means that more and more employers are planning to harness 'home-grown skills' thanks to the Government's drive to increase the number apprenticeships in the UK."

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May: MPs must not obstruct will of the people

The report comes as many MPs express concern regarding the future of EU citizens already living and working in Britain, after the Government's Brexit Bill passed in the House of Commons last week without any amendments to protect their right to stay.

But Prime Minister Theresa May insisted that she would be able to secure an agreement with European leaders regarding those already in the country once Brexit negotiations formally begin.