Loss of EU workers would be a ‘huge blow

Over half of small businesses with EU workers are worried about accessing people with the right skills, or growing their business post-Brexit, according to new research from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

FSB’s latest report, ‘A skilful exit: What small firms want from Brexit’, shows one fifth (21 percent) of small employers currently have EU staff.

Nearly three quarters (72%) of these small firms recruited all of their EU workers when they were already living in the UK.

And the vast majority of small firms (95%) have no experience using the UK’s points-based immigration system to recruit non-EU workers.

The research highlights the need for small firms to have continued access to labour and skills from the EU post-Brexit.

Mike Cherry, FSB National Chairman, said: “There is real concern among small firms with EU staff that they will lose access to the skills and labour their business needs to survive and grow.

“EU workers are a vital part of our economy, helping to plug chronic skills gaps across a wide range of sectors, and filling jobs in an already tight labour market.

“From packers, to mechanics, to graphic designers, small employers need to be able to hire the right person, for the right job at the right time.

“Securing the right to remain for EU workers in the UK must be a priority. It’s also crucial small firms are given time after the UK leaves the EU to prepare for the new immigration arrangements.

“There can’t be a sudden cliff edge preventing small firms from accessing the workers they need. This means having sensible transitional arrangements first, followed by the phased implementation of a new immigration system.”