Hard Brexit - How Will It Affect Temporary Staffing?
Following the EU Referendum in the UK, there has been a lot of debate regarding the future of the UK – particularly around how it will impact skilled labour from overseas and therefore temporary staffing, such as locum healthcare professionals. As Brexit draws closer, it seems as though in the long term, it will have a positive effect on locuming and skilled labour.
As Britain leaves the EU, there will follow a reassessment of the current visas and tiered system. With such a shortage in skilled labourers, including medical practitioners, health professionals and nurses, there will certainly be an immediate need for temporary skilled workers following Britain’s departure from the EU. This could mean that the restrictions around visas are lowered. And that temporary skilled workers, such as locum healthcare professionals, will find it easier to find locum work in the UK.
Already in the short term, we are seeing UK based organisations hiring temporary workers to account for skills shortages. This marks the end of a three month decline in the use of temporary agency workers, signalling a positive future for locum healthcare professionals. The outcome of this is likely to be that organisations will rely on global reaching agencies for temporary staffing.
Neil Carberry, Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) Chief Executive said: “The figures on hiring temporary workers suggest that many businesses are turning to agency work to help them navigate the unpredictability they currently face. This might be driven by waiting to see whether permanent hiring is justified, or by using additional labour to meet demand rather than making big capital investments.”
In addition to the increased demand for temporary agency workers, we are seeing organisations increasing their offerings to candidates. Gerwyn Davies, public policy adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development ‘CIPD’ said: “This might be a sign that employers are having to offer more attractive and secure jobs to attract people, to help overcome rising incidences of recruitment difficulties.”
It seems as though the uncertainty of Brexit is pushing organisations to tempt temporary workers with better roles, higher salaries and improved benefits. In the short term at least, this will improve prospects for locum healthcare professionals.
With potential trade deals currently up in the air, it is not yet apparent what the situation will look like in the UK over the coming years. However, what is certain is that currently, prospects for locum healthcare professionals are improving. And that now is the right time for temporary skilled workers to align themselves with agencies who focus on global placement.
Are you looking to continue to live in the UK after it leaves the EU?
If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you and your family can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021. If your application is successful, you’ll get either settled or pre-settled status.
Use this checker to find out what you will need to do to get ready for Brexit.
Worried about how Brexit might affect your staffing? See how we can help you
At Globe Locum we specialise in filling your temporary staffing roles with highly experienced locum healthcare professionals from across the globe. We are a Framework approved, clinician led healthcare recruitment agency operating out of Central London. Our intelligent pipeline of medical professionals are ready to be dispatched for short and long term work around the world.
Get in touch with us here or give us a call on +44 (0)20 7229 2620 to find out more about how we can help you through Brexit.