Two fifths (40%) of manufacturing workers say that Brexit has already had a negative impact on their business, according to the study from Tiger Recruitment – compared to a third (33%) across other industries.
The research, carried out by YouGov, questioned 1,000 GB employees on their experiences and concerns around Brexit in the workplace. As the 31 October deadline looms and there is still no clarity over what kind of Brexit UK businesses can expect, the findings indicate that many companies, particularly in the manufacturing industry, are still not able to apply a ‘business-as-usual’ approach to work. In turn, this is impacting the behaviour and outlook of employees.
According to the findings, uncertainty over the UK’s exit from the EU has left two thirds (63%) of manufacturing businesses unable to make decisions about the direction of the business, while a third (36%) say they’re less able to start new projects as a result. Furthermore, two fifths of staff say they are feeling more stressed and anxious as a result of the situation (41%), while a third say that management and leadership are feeling more stressed (34%).
“It’s more than three years since the EU referendum, and while businesses have shown incredible resilience, they are crying out for certainty and stability in the political landscape,” said David Morel, CEO and founder of Tiger Recruitment. “Businesses and their employees have to be able to make big decisions, take risks, and experiment in order to grow. Yet, as things stand, Brexit is stopping them from doing this. We’ve reached a state of limbo, which is stifling innovation and growth.”
The study also reveals a higher level of concern in the manufacturing sector about what lies ahead, with half of the sector’s employees (48%) reporting that they are worried about the impact that Brexit will have on their employer’s business in the future and in turn how this will affect them. For those who are worried, job insecurity is the overriding concern, specifically the potential of job losses (60%), stagnating wages (46%), and fewer opportunities for career progression (29%).
“With the two Brexit factions both resolute in their positions and unable to compromise without losing face, it seems inevitable that the current limbo will go down to the wire,” continued Morel. “While I’m confident that businesses will remain resilient whatever the outcome, it is understandable that employees are feeling worried and insecure about the future. Employers must address this issue head on by placing extra focus on employee communication and motivation, to help allay these fears and keep employees engaged throughout the uncertainty.”
