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Recruiters say that Brexit is already detaining EU workers from taking a UK job

Brexit has a growing influence on the jobs market. Employers can’t fill jobs anymore as workers become more hesitant to move jobs and EU nationals fret over future immigration rules, according to a study made by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC).

While demand for permanent and temporary workers continued to grow, the research among 400 recruitment agencies recorded in April the sharpest decline in candidate availability for 16 months.

“Demand for staff is growing within all sectors and all regions of the UK, but there are fewer and fewer people available to fill the vacancies. We have the lowest unemployment rate since 2005 and people already in work are becoming more hesitant about moving jobs amid Brexit uncertainty. Meanwhile, the weakening pound and lack of clarity about future immigration rules is putting off some EU nationals from taking up roles in the UK.” The REC’s chief executive, Kevin Green, explained.

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So, according to REC’s representative, candidate availability is at a 16-month low and “recruiters are flagging a shortage of suitable applicants for more than 60 different roles from cleaner to accountant.”

He recommends to the politicians to take note of this big problem ahead of the General Election, pointing out that it was vital the country’s immigration system after Brexit remained agile, in order to meet the challenges of the economy.

Business groups and major employers also express worries about a future talent drain since the referendum.

“Every shortage has wider implications, for example the exceptional reputation UK engineering enjoys globally is at risk because employers can’t find people with the skills they need. One thing is for certain, if British business is to thrive then whichever party forms a government after 8 June needs to address the ever-shrinking pool of suitable candidates by investing in skills and career advice for UK jobseekers, as well as safeguarding access to the workers we need from abroad.” Green added, according to Eagle Radio.

Claire Reynolds

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