Almost half of businesses (47%) have unrealistic expectations on the post-Brexit immigration system, according to a study.
The Resolution Foundation surveyed 503 companies who employ EU workers and found only 17% expect no change to the current immigration system, while 30% expect the current system to be retained for EU nationals offered jobs in the UK.
Furthermore, 46% do not see any changes in the number of EU workers recruited for their business over the next 12 months. Britain is due to exit the EU at the end of March 2019.
24% expect to increase the number of migrant workers they employ, whereas 26% may see a decrease in the number of staff they employ from the EU.
Torsten Bell, director of the Resolution Foundation, said:
“It’s not just government that needs to step up preparation for Brexit. Many British firms are totally unprepared for this change, particularly when it comes to migration.
“Now is the time for both firms and government to focus on how we navigate that journey and the changes to our labour market it brings.”
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