According to a major survey published by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), increasing numbers of companies are postponing recruitment efforts due to the uncertainty of Brexit.The survey of 5,600 businesses found many services companies were giving up trying to hire new staff while those that were continuing to try were encountering unprecedented problems in finding suitably qualified workers.

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Recruitment problems reported by service firms have hit an all-time high, the BCC reported, while uncertainty over post-Brexit trading conditions were acting as a brake on business investment in both the manufacturing and services sectors.

Sales and orders stagnating

Adam Marshall, director general of the BCC, said, "These figures reinforce what we are hearing from businesses up and down the country – the uncertainty over Brexit and the lack of bold moves to boost business at home are starting to bite."It should be a matter of grave concern to government that sales and orders both at home and abroad are stagnating."Weaker sterling is no longer proving a boon to many of our exporters, while consumer spending is failing to boost the domestic market."

Increasing challenge to fill job vacancies

"We have a vibrant and innovative business community that wants to invest and grow but we are stuck in limbo while Brexit negotiations rumble on."The upcoming Budget must deliver radical, decisive action to boost growth and productivity at precisely the moment that the economy needs it most."There has never been a more important time for the government to bolster business investment, competitiveness and productivity in the face of significant Brexit headwinds."While fewer companies are trying to recruit, those that are hiring they are finding it increasing challenging to fill vacancies."The sharp deterioration of the share of firms attempting to recruit is a concern and reflects both persistent hiring difficulties and heightened economic uncertainty, which if sustained could materially weaken jobs growth."For related news and features, visit our Brexit section.Relocate’s new Global Mobility Toolkit provides free information, practical advice and support for HR, global mobility managers and global teams operating overseas.Access hundreds of global services and suppliers in our Online Directory

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