Brexit baffles construction bosses

A recent survey shows that some 76% of construction bosses don’t understand how Brexit will affect employees.

With almost two thirds of businesses in the sector employing EU staff, this latest survey from Blacks Solictiors shows businesses in the industry don’t feel confident in understanding changes to EU workers’ rights post-Brexit.

More than 70% revealed they feel underprepared, and a further 57% are worried about leaving the EU.

In addition, 76% said they have limited understanding of how the Brexit process will affect their business and the implications for workers’ rights, under new upcoming immigration laws.

With two thirds of businesses in the industry currently employing staff from the EU, the research also shows the recruitment process could be significantly affected, with many businesses indicating they would be put off employing EU staff after the laws change.

Almost half of businesses said they don’t have a dedicated HR function, so unsurprisingly leaders in the construction industry are unclear when it comes to whose responsibility it is to communicate changes. The research shows that the majority of businesses don’t think the government and Home Office are doing enough to assuage worries.

Capacity and resource could also become problematic, with over one third (38%) unconfident they would be able to replace EU workers with suitable British workers after Brexit.

Louis MacWilliam, Immigration expert at Blacks Solicitors LLP, said: “With less than seven months to go until Britain leaves the EU, it is worrying that such large numbers of employers still feel in the dark about their ability to retain and recruit EU nationals. This is in spite of the Home Office publishing concrete details about the new mandatory registration scheme for EU nationals, due to open later this year.

“Businesses in this industry rely heavily on EU labour and employers can play an important role in securing the rights of their EU employees. This includes ensuring employees are aware of any eligibility to apply for British citizenship or EU documentation before we leave the EU, as well as the new mandatory system of registration for EU nationals.”

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