This week everyone seems to be talking about whether the UK should leave the European Union. What are the implications for jobs and the economy as a whole?It’s a key point in the thinking of many, although not the only consideration. But as a recruitment agency, this is the angle that most concerns us at Atlantic Resource.
Stay or Go?
It’s said that over 100 Conservative MPs want to leave the EU, including five cabinet ministers and Mayor of London Boris Johnson.But some leaders of Britain’s biggest companies have said that leaving the EU would jeopardise jobs and the UK economy. A signed letter published in the Times stated that an EU exit would put off potential UK investors.You might immediately raise an eyebrow of caution at this. Things might be vastly different for Marks & Spencer, Vodafone and BT, than they will be for your average small to medium sized business.Indeed, former leader of the Conservatives, William Hague pointed out that Brexit campaigners say small businesses are “much more sceptical” about the benefits of remaining in the EU. writing in the Daily TelegraphThose campaigning to leave have sharply pointed out that two-thirds of FTSE 100 firms did not support the letter, and Conservative government bias towards businesses of a certain size is a strong concern of many.
Brexit jobs – nervous reactions already?
Down at the employment coalface, plenty of businesses are already experiencing an increased volume of applications for permanent UK residency on behalf of their staff.This is particularly the case for European Economic Area (EEA) nationals who have been working in the UK for over five years, and are seemingly keen to confirm their status before any potential changes in the event of an exit.An EU exit also has implications in terms of work sponsorship. European workers may or may not be selected depending on the technical nature of the job, the seniority of the role or the level of pay.A spotlight has been shone on the issue of British manufacturing jobs by former Labour home secretary Alan Johnson. He warns that these jobs depend on European demand, and leaving could risk 50,000 apprenticeships.
We All Decide
As with most fiercely contentious and deeply complex political issues, there’s a lot of claim and counterclaim to wade through, Chinese whispers, wildly different interpretations of detail, almost playground ‘he said she said.’It’s not a simple issue and a referendum has been set for 23rd June, allowing us, the people to decide.Let’s hope that for everyone’s sake, whichever way it goes, the availability of jobs doesn’t suffer.If you’re seeking work or workers in construction, catering, office administration or care, please get in touch.
