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Some viewed it as the greatest signal for 'Independence Day' for our island nation, others saw it as a black day for our future - and our children's and grandchildren's future as the Europe which has been built up for more than 40 years, began to divide.
Four days later the crystal balls are cloudier than ever regarding the future, but nevertheless there are some views from around the freelancing sector - although uncertaincy seems to be the dominating word:
IPSE - New opportunities
New circumstances bring new opportunities for the UK, but negotiations on our exit from the EU must be carefully planne, according to freelancer and self-employment group, IPSE.
Chris Bryce, IPSE CEO, said: “This historic result has huge implications for the UK’s 4.7 million self-employed workers and they’ll be wondering what it means for them. The Prime Minister assured us that there will be no immediate effect on the freedom of movement of goods, travel and labour – but over the mid to longer term we need clear answers to all of the questions that will arise from leaving the EU. Now is not the time for any action which would hinder the UK’s independent professionals or stop them contributing to public or private sector development.
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“IPSE believes this new era can and must be taken as an opportunity for the UK. Priorities should be new global trading arrangements, cutting burdensome regulation on small and micro businesses and ensuring that Britain has the most flexible and attractive economy in the world. With these priorities, the UK can be a place where freelancing and contracting can thrive.
“New circumstances always bring new opportunities for freelancers. We should be optimistic about the future and IPSE will continue to push the importance and value freelancers bring to our economy.”
APSCo - little benefit
Samantha Hurley, Operations Director at agency group, APSCo said: “Britain has decided that the EU experiment, with its expansion into social and employment policy, hasn’t worked for this country.
“At this early stage, there is little detail on how Brexit will affect the regulation of the professional recruitment sector. However, this result brings the possibility that the Agency Workers regulations (AWR), and other inappropriate EU-derived legislation, could, at some stage, be reformed.
“Outside of the EU, UK courts will, in theory, have more latitude for interpretation to ensure that ‘one size fits all’ policy is reconsidered. While we strongly support the belief that potentially vulnerable workers should be protected, current rules focus on protecting lower skilled, lower paid workers and are of little benefit to professional contractors.
“APSCo will, of course, be working closely with Government regarding any changes, and will keep members abreast of all developments.”
APSCo members were polled on their voting intentions in February this year.Fifty-nine per cent of respondents said they would vote to remain part of the EU, with 48 per cent believing that their business would suffer if Britain was to withdraw.
APSCo has remained politically neutral throughout the campaign process.
NonStop recruitment - Reaccess
Oliver Donoghue, Managing Director of Swiss-headquartered NonStop Recruitment, said: “For us an organisation it now means we must reassess our internal recruitment processes as EU freedom of movement laws have, up to now, allowed us to benefit from the skills of talent from across the single market.
"With this talent pool’s ability to move – both to and from the UK – potentially affected by the outcome of this vote, we, like many businesses, are waiting on outcomes of negotiations to see whether we will need to secure working visas or equivalent for our people.
“At this early stage there is little indication how freedom of movement laws, and other regulations, will be impacted so it would be remiss to suggest how the recruitment sector will be impacted. However, we will be working closely with our clients, and sector trade bodies, to ensure that the transition is as smooth as it can possibly be.”
CBI - time to assess
Carolyn Fairbairn of big business grouop, the CBI, said: “The British people’s vote to leave the EU is a momentous turning point in our history. The country has spoken and it’s for us all to listen.
“Many businesses will be concerned and need time to assess the implications. But they are used to dealing with challenge and change and we should be confident they will adapt.
“The urgent priority now is to reassure the markets. We need strong and calm leadership from the Government, working with the Bank of England, to shore up confidence and stability in the economy.
“The choices we make over the coming months will affect generations to come. This is not a time for rushed decisions.
“The CBI will be consulting its members and business is committed to working with Government to shape the best possible conditions for future prosperity.”
R3 Insolvency - Uncertainty
Andrew Tate, president of UK insolvency trade body R3, said: “Leaving the EU will have a major impact on the way corporate insolvency works in the UK. The UK’s insolvency regime does not exist in a vacuum. It is entwined with rules on employment, tax, property, and more; and all of these are linked with European rules.
“There will naturally be uncertainty for UK businesses and the decision to leave could create immediate problems for some. Businesses should seek out informed, professional, and regulated advice to help them navigate any uncertainties they encounter, and the sooner they seek advice, the more options they will have.
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“The decision to leave comes as the Government is in the middle of renewing the UK’s corporate insolvency framework. This is an incredibly complex and important project, but there may now be some uncertainty around the future of this work. Some of the proposals have their origin in EU harmonisation programmes, while it’s not clear where insolvency reform will fit on the Government’s agenda in the next couple of months.”
Indeed - More Uncertainty
Mariano Mamertino, economist at the global job site, Indeed, said: “After months of tortuous, recruitment-sapping uncertainty in Britain’s labour market, the Brexit verdict will deliver more of the same.
“A further, prolonged period of doubt will do little to encourage employers who have already delayed making hiring decisions to come off the fence.
“In the longer term, crucial decisions will need to be made about what sort of labour market we want in Britain. UK employers have benefitted from the ability to recruit talent from overseas, and many Britons have seized the opportunity to live and work in other EU countries.
“While it’s unlikely that the shutters will suddenly be brought down on the English Channel, the free movement of workers has clear economic benefits - and it’s essential that British businesses can continue to be able to get the people they need to fill the jobs available.
“If Brexit is allowed to interrupt the flow of talent to the UK, Britain’s loss will be Ireland’s gain if skilled workers are lured by its dynamic and English-speaking labour market instead.
“So those tasked with the delicate job of negotiating the Brexit must ensure that a non-EU Britain enjoys the trade ties and access to European markets and talent that Norway and Switzerland do.”
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Susie Hughes © Shout99 2016
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