Brexit – the story for employers so far
The UK electorate voted to leave the European Union in a referendum on 23 June 2016. The legal process for exiting the EU began when the UK notified of its intention to withdraw under Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty on 29 March 2017. The UK and the EU had two years to decide on the terms of the withdrawal, particularly the extent of the UK’s access to the single market versus the degree to which EU workers retain freedom of movement to the UK.
On 21 March 2019, eight days before the scheduled departure date, the EU offered to delay Brexit until 22 May if MPs approve the deal that has been negotiated. If they could not, a no-deal Brexit would happen on 12 April.
On 11 April, the EU allowed a “flexible extension” to 31 October 2019. Boris Johnson, who took over as prime minister in July, had vowed to leave the EU by that date “do or die”, having negotiated a new deal with the EU. However on 28 October 2019, the EU agreed to extend Brexit again, this time to 31 January 2020.
Our Brexit pages provide news and guidance on all aspects of the UK’s exit from the EU.
Farmers need clarity on ‘vital’ seasonal worker recruitment
The agriculture sector urgently needs clarity on how it will be able to recruit seasonal workers from overseas next year,...
Most firms support tighter employment laws, poll finds
Almost two-thirds (64%) of businesses would support tightening employment laws to prevent worker exploitation.
This is according to a poll...
‘Snap out of it and prepare for new immigration rules’ firms warned
Employers need to ‘snap out’ of their complacency and start preparing for the points-based immigration system, a specialist has warned...
The impact of Covid-19 on senior executives’ contracts
Senior executives' relationship with new employers is changing as they look to safeguard their positions against a background of instability.
OECD predicts 7.1% unemployment in UK and criticises lack of training
The OECD has predicted unemployment in the UK will rise from 4.5% to 7.1% in 2021 and says that to recover the UK must invest in skills and achieve a softer Brexit.
Looking beyond Brexit: is your organisation ready? (webinar)
As we near the closing stages of the transition period, and the end of free movement between the EU and...
Services sector ‘overlooked’ in Brexit trade talks
The needs of the UK’s £225bn professional services sector are being overlooked in the UK-EU trade talks according a sub-committee...
Shortage occupation lists: the MAC’s proposals examined
Last week, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) released a report outlining what occupations should be recognised as being in shortage...
Top 10 HR questions September 2020: Testing, Brexit and redundancy
As the number of coronavirus (Covid-19) cases rose in the last month, employers have been asking questions about testing for...
Ten years of the Equality Act 2010: key cases for employers
Ten years ago, the Equality Act 2010 consolidated discrimination laws into a single piece of legislation. We highlight 10 key...
Brexit: MAC warns of ‘stark consequences’ in social care
Senior care worker and nursing assistant roles should be added to the shortage occupation lists to relieve pressure when freedom...
EU immigration: two fifths of firms won’t reallocate roles to Britons
Nine out of 10 UK businesses believe the recruitment of EU nationals plays an important role in their UK operations,...
One in five employers cut pay in response to pandemic
Almost a fifth (18%) of organisations have had to cut pay because of the pressures brought by the pandemic, while...
UK firms’ ability to attract ‘brightest and best’ in doubt
The number of UK firms applying for permission to employ skilled overseas workers has remained static since the start of the year.
New immigration guidelines: What do employers need to know?
While Brexit preparations might still seem a distant set of priorities for some organisations, last month the government issued more...
