Staffing fears for certain sectors as Brexit edges closer
The UK’s hospitality, manufacturing and transport sectors will be hardest hit, should limits on the movement of European Union and non-EU workers be imposed in the wake of the UK leaving the EU.
Earlier this week, government announced Prime Minister Theresa May is to trigger Article 50 a week today (29 March).
Results from global consulting firm Mercer’s latest Workforce Monitor, released this morning, find hoteliers, manufacturers and transport firms will be hardest hit if the PM sets limits on movement of EU and non-EU workers post-Brexit.
The research finds 33% of accommodation and food services staff are EU and non-EU workers, while EU and non-EU workers make up 23% and 20% respectively of manufacturing and transport staff.
Mercer analysed the make-up of 11 different sectors including agriculture, forestry & fishing; manufacturing; construction; wholesale, retail & repair of vehicles; transport & storage; accommodation & food services; information & communication; financial & insurance activities; professional, scientific & technical activities (eg. engineers); education; and health & social work.
Mercer adds there are five core strategies open to companies to help mitigate against the adverse impact of an ageing population and migration limits.
These strategies include ‘buying, building & retaining’ staff, diversifying of the workforce to hire from those sectors of society that may be under-represented in work.
Other strategies put forward include automation, the relocation of operations or, more drastically, ceasing business operations in the UK.
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