A new study by workforce management expert Quinyx shows, retail businesses in the UK can expect to suffer a shortage of shop and warehouse staff as a result of Britain leaving the European Union. The shortage could have a significant impact on economic contribution of the UK retail sector In fact, the economic output of retail workers would be £3.1bn lower per year by 2024 under a no-deal Brexit than in an orderly Brexit scenario, representing a 59 per cent decrease in output.

Access to manual workers or those in elementary service roles is crucial for ensuring the UK’s economic wellbeing – and employers, especially those in the retail sector, need to make plans to avoid staff shortages. Under any Brexit scenario, retail employers in the UK can expect to lose on average 16 per cent of their manual and elementary service workforce as a result of uncertainty and lack of immigration policies. Half of UK retailers are struggling to recruit and retain staff, with workers complaining of low pay, lack of flexibility, and limited progression opportunities.