Brexit fears hit job seekers in Yorkshire

The ​group’s ​regional ​o​utlook has fallen five points to +1​ per cent​, four points below the national average of +5​ per cent​. Along with the South West, this is the lowest ​o​utlook in the country.

The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey is based on responses from 2,110 UK employers. It asks whether employers intend to hire additional workers or reduce the size of their workforce in the coming quarter.

It is used as a key economic statistic by both the Bank of England and the​ Government.

Amanda White, ​o​perations ​m​anager at Manpower, said: “In Leeds, recruiters in manufacturing and engineering are particularly cautious. Employers tell us that the Apprenticeship Levy and the outcome of the EU referendum are discouraging them from making long-term hiring decisions, meaning they are focused on just replacing headcount, rather than growing.

​“​The picture is similarly grim in oil and gas, with the low oil prices meaning there is very little appetite to take on new staff. We do have some cause for optimism, though, with a rise in the number of available roles at fast-moving consumer goods companies.”

Manpower​ warned that a British exit from the European Union could leave businesses facing a critical talent shortage, with EU workers no longer able to move freely to the UK.

The national seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook has fell to +5 per cent. This shows hiring intentions appear to have been hit by Brexit uncertainty.