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Stuart Gentle Publisher at Onrec

UK workers show signs of confidence ahead of Brexit high court ruling appeal

New research from job board Jobsite reveals UK employees appear to be optimistic about their career prospects following the initial shock of the referendum. The research comes as the Prime Minister looks to start her appeal against the High Court ruling.

  • Jobsite findings show 80% of UK employees believe their salary could rise despite Brexit
  • 75% of employees believe their work benefits will stay the same or improve next year.

New research from job board Jobsite reveals UK employees appear to be optimistic about their career prospects following the initial shock of the referendum. The research comes as the Prime Minister looks to start her appeal against the High Court ruling.

The survey of UK employees and employers found that four in five UK workers believe their salary could rise even in light of the initial EU referendum. Those in the North East were the most optimistic with 87% of workers predicting a salary increase despite the vote in June. However, those in the West Midlands are more pessimistic about their prospects, with 21% of workers believing their salary will decrease should the UK leave the EU. Reassuringly however, just 14% of HR decision makers predict they will have to reduce workers’ salaries if Article 50 is triggered.

Some workers remain worried about the future, with 20% of UK workers expecting their salary to decrease should Brexit go ahead. Surprisingly, the younger generation appear to be the least negative, with only 17% of 23-34 year olds believing their salary will fall. Those in IT and manufacturing appear to be the most confident, with only 8% believing their salary will be cut.

75% of employees believe their work benefits including pension schemes, annual holiday and flexible working will stay the same or improve next year. Workers from the East of England are the most optimistic, with only 19% predicting that their benefits could get worse if Brexit goes ahead.

One in five Londoners, and nearly a quarter (23%) of HR decision makers, believed that their company will actually recruit as a result of the referendum. 76% of workers in the UK believe there will be no redundancies and, in the South East, only 17% of workers predict job losses as a result of the last four months. Women are less positive than men, with 24% of female workers predicting job losses if Article 50 is triggered.    

Nick Gold, CEO at Jobsite commented, “Four months have passed since the UK’s decision to leave the EU, so we are now getting a clearer understanding on people’s opinions of the future. Of course, the result of the High Court appeal could change people’s attitudes. Our data suggests that both employers and employees felt optimistic despite Brexit; many predicted that the Referendum result will not stifle salary increases nor improvement in work benefits.

From our point of view, we’re seeing vacancy numbers continue to grow at a stable rate and we have also seen growth in job applications. Businesses should see this as an opportunity to engage with a new and larger pool of skilled, optimistic workers who are looking to make a career move.”