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.
MPs slam Priti Patel plan to end freedom of movement
The rights of EU nationals in the UK will dramatically change from 31 October if there is a no-deal Brexit, under new plans to end freedom of movement
Banks need to transfer more staff to EU for no-deal Brexit
Banks need to “step up” their plans for the UK leaving the EU without a deal, the European Central Bank...
Wage growth fastest in 11 years
Wages are growing at their fastest rate for 11 years, according to official figures released today. Unemployment increased slightly and the number of vacancies fell for the sixth consecutive time.
Boris Johnson’s fast-track visas for scientists criticised
A fast-track visa route to help employers attract the “brightest and best” international scientists has been put forward by Boris...
1.2 million jobs to be lost in Europe with no-deal Brexit
If the UK were to leave the EU without an agreement 1.2 million jobs across the Continent would be be...
Ryanair expected to cull excess pilots and cabin crew
Ryanair has 900 too many pilots and cabin crew, its chief executive has said in a video warning staff to...
Johnson’s Brexit chief opposes workers’ rights commitment
Boris Johnson’s newly appointed chief negotiator for Brexit has criticised the idea of the European Union being allowed to “set...
EU must better prepare for impact of no-deal Brexit on UK citizens
The European Union needs to ramp up its contingency planning for the effect a no-deal Brexit could have on UK...
Johnson hints at Australian-style immigration system
New prime minister Boris Johnson has indicated he may introduce an Australian-style points system for skilled overseas workers after Brexit....
Migrant salary threshold should be £20,000, say business leaders
Business leaders have called for a number of reforms to the immigration system, including lowering the salary threshold and revising...
Business secretary: ‘no-deal Brexit will cost thousands of jobs’
Business secretary Greg Clark has warned that 'many thousands' of jobs will be lost if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
More than half of employers will be worse off under proposed immigration rules
More than half of UK employers with staff from outside the UK will be negatively...
Deutsche Bank to cut 18,000 jobs in reorganisation
Deutsche Bank has announced it will cut 18,000 jobs over the next three years as part of a major reorganisation....
Post-Brexit regional skills funding under threat
Regions of the UK are at risk of losing out on £2.1 billion of funding per year, which includes subsidies...
Hunt threatens to cancel civil servants’ August annual leave
Conservative leadership contender Jeremy Hunt has threatened to cancel all August annual leave across the civil service in order to...
