Now that we know that the UK is leaving the European Union, many of us are looking at the impact this is going to have across a number of different areas. The changes that a break away will have on topics such as the economy and immigration has been well debated. However, there is fear that the decision to leave could lead to the UK suffering from an even greater skills shortage. That being said, now that the decision has been made, we must look at how we can approach these potential challenges to the UK employment market.
The Prime Minister confirmed that Article 50 will not be triggered immediately, so many of the rules and regulations for trade, migration and employment will remain the same for the time being. This gives us an opportunity to devise a clear plan and strategy to ensure we move forward in the most positive and least destructive manner.
One of the key areas to address is the ever-imposing UK skills shortage. EEF states that 62% of their member companies see the benefit of the freedom to recruit staff from inside and outside of the UK, especially with the difficulty of finding skilled workers.
Whilst it’s key to note we may experience some challenges in acquiring skills when Brexit comes into action, it’s essential that recruitment professionals work closely with their clients in order to minimise the impact it may have on the number of skilled employees they have. By working with clients with more of a consultative approach, we can advise businesses on employee attraction and retention, ensuring they maintain their existing skills base.
We should also take advantage of the home grown talent that the UK already has access to now and in the future. JAM has a vast network of highly skilled permanent and contract UK professionals, so employers looking to recruit should work with an agency such as ourselves. With further pressure being placed on employers, we’re going to see an increased demand for contractors.
In the long run, the UK Government will be encouraged to make fundamental changes to ensure the future UK workforce is better equipped with the skills and attitude that businesses need. The REC states that ‘employers, educators and the government must seize the initiative and create a pipeline of talent so that individuals and businesses continue to thrive in the post-EU era’.