With Brexit currently in its final stages, employees in legal firms are more concerned than those in any other industry about the impact that Brexit will have on their firm, according to new research from Tiger Recruitment.
Of those who are worried, job insecurity is the overriding concern, specifically stagnating wages (74%), the potential of job losses (57%), and decreasing workloads (34%).
The research, carried out by YouGov, questioned 1,000 GB employees on their experiences and concerns around Brexit in the workplace. As the 31st October deadline looms and there is still no clarity over what kind of Brexit UK businesses can expect, the findings indicate that many employees, particularly in the legal sector, are concerned about their future.
“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,” says David Morel, CEO and Founder of Tiger Recruitment. “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.”
The study also reveals that nearly a third (37%) of legal employees say Brexit has already had a negative impact on their business – again, higher than the UK average (33%). Of those negatively affected, the biggest issues are being unable to start new projects (42%), make decisions about the direction of the business (30%), or take risks (20%). Two fifths (41%) also say that staff have become more stressed and anxious as a result of the uncertainty.
“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,” continues Morel. “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.”
