Since Brexit, the UK’s labour market has undergone significant changes, particularly in sectors that rely heavily on temporary and migrant workers. As new immigration policies take effect, businesses face both challenges and opportunities when it comes to recruiting temporary staff. In this blog, we explore how Brexit and immigration changes are shaping the UK’s temporary labour market and what employers can do to adapt.

How Brexit Has Affected the Temporary Workforce

Before Brexit, the UK had access to a large pool of EU workers who could easily take on temporary roles across industries such as logistics, hospitality, and manufacturing. However, with the end of free movement, businesses have experienced:

• Labour shortages – A decline in EU workers has led to staffing gaps, particularly in seasonal and temporary roles.

• Higher recruitment costs – Hiring has become more complex and expensive due to new visa requirements.

• Increased competition for workers – Employers must now offer better wages and benefits to attract UK-based staff.

The New Immigration System & Its Impact

The UK government introduced a points-based immigration system, which prioritises skilled workers over lower-paid roles. This shift has made it harder for businesses to recruit temporary and lower-skilled workers from overseas. Key impacts include:

• Restricted access to overseas talent – Many roles in warehousing, food production, and agriculture do not meet visa salary thresholds.

• Increased reliance on UK-based workers – Businesses must now focus on attracting and retaining local talent.

• Changes to seasonal worker schemes – While some temporary visa routes exist for sectors like agriculture, they are limited and tightly controlled.

How Businesses Can Adapt to the New Labour Market

1. Invest in Workforce Planning
   Companies need to forecast labour demand more effectively, ensuring they have the right staffing levels well in advance.

2. Boost Attraction & Retention Strategies
   Employers must improve working conditions, offer competitive wages, and provide career development opportunities to retain workers.

3. Automate & Upskill
   With fewer workers available, businesses are increasingly turning to automation and upskilling initiatives to boost productivity and reduce reliance on temporary labour.

4. Work with Specialist Recruitment Partners
   Partnering with experienced recruitment agencies like PROMAN can help businesses navigate labour shortages by accessing a wider talent pool and optimising hiring strategies.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the UK Temporary Labour Market?

The full impact of Brexit and immigration changes is still unfolding, but businesses must remain agile and proactive. By improving workforce planning, investing in recruitment strategies, and leveraging technology, companies can overcome staffing challenges and continue to thrive.

At PROMAN, we support businesses with tailored recruitment solutions, helping them navigate the evolving labour market. If you need expert guidance on hiring temporary staff in a post-Brexit world, contact our team today.