What does the leave vote actually mean in HR terms for my business?
There will undoubtedly be some staff that are upset because they supported ‘Remain’ and others who will be nervous about the future and whether the vote will have an effect on their employment rights and rights to work in the UK. The simple answer is that neither of these are likely to happen in the short-to medium-term, so communicate this to your workforce and also let them know you will do your best to keep them informed on any possible changes as things become clearer.
Will there be big changes to employment law/workers’ rights?
A significant body of employment law in the UK derives from the EU, and over the past decades this has affected workers’ rights across the economy. It is theoretically possible for the Government to scrap all existing law and start again, but it is highly unlikely and here at Expert HR Solutions we believe sorting out the Trade Agreements will have a much higher priority. In any case it would have to in most cases gain Parliamentary approval and the way EU regulations and Directives are transposed into UK law is complex and will be difficult to achieve even if there is the political will to do so.
What is likely to happen to immigration policy?
The simple answer is that it is highly probable that employees will in the future no longer have access to free movement of labour within the EEA. It is less clear what will happen to EU citizens already in the country or to those that enter the UK between now and the formal separation. These negotiations will take time so any changes to the status quo are unlikely in the short-to-medium-term. The Vote Leave campaign has also advocated the benefits of an Australian-style points-based system and so it is possible a similar system will be introduced in the UK at some point.
What will it mean for employers’ ability to access scarce skills?
It is very unlikely that any major changes will be able to take place in the short to medium-term here.
Where can I go to find out more information/ get advice?
Expert HR Solutions will be analysing what is going on and putting together information for clients on the implications of any reforms. We will do this as quickly as we can as soon as more information becomes available, so please bear with us and keep an eye on our website and our Blogs. The UK Government will very likely put up useful information for employers so checking the Government website will likely be helpful (Gov.uk)
If you want further information please contact Chris Wilkinson at Expert HR Solutions Ltd. on 01202 611033 or go to www.experthrsolutions.co.uk
Guest post originally posted here http://experthrsolutions.co.uk/blog/2016/06/ok-so-it-was-brexit/.