Business

Brexit uncertainty fuels demand for agency workers

UK employers are increasingly relying on agency workers amid growing pessimism over the economy, a new study suggests.
UK employers are increasingly relying on agency workers amid growing pessimism over the economy, a new study suggests. UK employers are increasingly relying on agency workers amid growing pessimism over the economy, a new study suggests.

UK employers are increasingly relying on agency workers amid growing pessimism over the economy, a new study suggests.

Many firms are turning to agency work because of the current unpredictable state of the country, as uncertainty over Brexit continues, said the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC).

Almost half of 600 employers surveyed expressed concern about the availability of candidates for permanent jobs, especially in engineering, health and social care.

REC chief executive Neil Carberry said: "The more positive figures on hiring for temporary workers suggest that many businesses are turning to agency work to help them navigate the unpredictability they currently face.

"This might be driven by waiting to see whether permanent hiring is justified, or by using additional labour to meet demand rather than making big capital investments.

"In the long run, however, employment will be best supported by the stability a clear Brexit outcome will bring. It's time to get on with delivering this."