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, the new prime minister, has vowed to leave the EU by that date “do or die”, but still aims to negotiate a new deal with the EU.
Our Brexit pages provide news and guidance on all aspects of the UK’s exit from the EU.
Political beliefs in the workplace: what does the law say?
As the debate over Brexit reaches a crescendo and leavers and remainers disagree on what should happen next, Richard Fox...
Job vacancies drop as Brexit uncertainty bites
The number of job vacancies has continued to fall since early 2019, indicating that Brexit uncertainty is affecting employers’ hiring...
Queen’s Speech: Points-based immigration and Good Work Plan feature
A points-based immigration system will start in 2021.
Almost 2 million apply for EU settled status
Home Secretary Priti Patel has announced that there have so far been 1.8 million applications to the EU Settlement Scheme....
Productivity puzzle persists with fastest fall in five years
UK productivity in April to June fell at its fastest pace since 2014, when compared to the same quarter last...
Warnings as Brexit and China stifle recruitment firms
Two of the UK’s largest recruitment firms have both issued lacklustre trading statements as market conditions deteriorate, a trend confirmed with the latest data from the UK resourcing industry.
Fresh concern over jobs as UK service sector slumps
The UK's service sector, which makes up 80% of the country's economy, contracted in September prompting fears of a recession.
Recruitment firms anxious about no-deal Brexit
As Boris Johnson prepares to put proposals for a new deal to the EU, research has shown that 87% of...
Health costs for UK staff in EU to be covered for six months after a no-deal Brexit
Temporary measures to cover healthcare costs in EU in event of a no-deal Brexit fail to satisfy UK nationals
Vulnerability of UK manufacturing to Brexit revealed by new study
Regions with a high dependence on exports to the EU have been highlighted as being likely to be hit by...
Most firms lack information to make post-Brexit staffing decisions
Very few employers are prepared for the introduction of new immigration restrictions, putting them at risk of a labour “supply shock” after Brexit.
Polish ambassador advises Poles to leave the UK after Brexit
Poland’s ambassador to the UK is urging Polish nationals to “seriously consider” leaving the UK because of the problems some...
No-deal Brexit: Mini factory staff may be forced to take unpaid leave
Workers at the Mini plant in Oxfordshire could be forced to take at least two weeks’ unpaid leave and have...
No-deal Brexit could send NHS ‘toppling over the edge’
A no-deal Brexit would send the NHS – “our nation's greatest institution” – into a state of chaos, health service union Unison has warned.
Anger at Johnson’s politicisation of police recruitment launch
The chief constable of West Yorkshire Police has criticised the prime minister for making a political speech about Brexit while...
