Last week, the recruitment industry, including REC (Recruitment and Employment Confederation) and APSCo (Association of Professional Staffing Companies), responded to the UK’s decision to leave the European Union and this week more employment agencies and recruitment firms have also responded to Friday’s announcement.

“The impact of a ‘leave’ vote is much bigger than simply changing the political landscape of the UK,” Peter Cheese, Chief Executive of CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, said. “It stands to have a significant impact on the world of work and future planning within organisations.

“We need a broad and thorough consultation between government, organisations and employees across all sectors and representative bodies. The CIPD will play its part in these necessary consultations drawing on our strong base of evidence and experience of the world of work. It’s important that the Government takes the time to really understand the impact of any proposed changes and works with businesses to minimise risk to individuals, organisations and the economy.”

Meanwhile, Eurociett, European confederation of private employment services, has stated on its website that it ‘regrets the outcomes of the vote and strongly believes in the need for common policies within European labour markets. While respecting the vote of the British people, Eurociett regrets any decision that would weaken the European Union and alter job creation, growth and inclusiveness in Europe.’

Eurociett stated that it is in favour of a strong European Union, including a single market for services and a free movement of workers.

According to Eurociett President Annemarie Muntz, "in a fast changing world of work where fair labour mobility is key, Eurociett will keep on supporting common European labour policies aiming at reaching better functioning labour markets."

Albert Ellis, CEO of Harvey Nash, said “I urgently call on the Conservative Party, the Government and the various vote leave movements to consider carefully the impact the vote has had on the UK and Europe with the potential impact to jobs and livelihoods. We need humility and a sober mind to begin to collaborate with our counterparts in Europe and negotiate a settlement in Britain and Europe's interest. We must remain a highly attractive country to attract skilled talent internationally. And we must keep those talent and trading channels free and open.”

According to Randstad Chief Financial Officer Robert Jan van de Kraats, the UK’s vote to leave the EU ‘could deter corporate investment and create labour market shortages’. He told Reuters  “Sectors where staff are already hard to come by, such as information technology and engineering, could see a further tightening. Shortages are now filled by international mobility and in the case of Britain that is going to become a lot more complicated. Shortages will be created if they do close the employment market.”

"If more European countries drop out, it will limit possibilities for people and companies," Van de Kraats said.

Mariano Mamertino, an economist at job board, Indeed, said “In the immediate term, some employers who deferred recruitment during the referendum campaign may now start to hire if they decide they can wait no longer. “But the wider outlook remains hard to read, despite  Mark Carney’s pledge to do whatever it takes to prop up the UK economy. 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,” Mamertino said.

“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,” Mamertino said.

According to Ed Vernon OBE, Chairman at Midlands recruitment consultancy Macildowie., Brexit should be seen as an opportunity for businesses. He said “….this is the will of the people and the decision to leave the EU now creates an opportunity to pave the way for new approaches. I am optimistic about the determination and commitment of business leaders across the Midlands and the UK as a whole to succeed,”

Julia Kermode, CEO of The Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA), said, “For FCSA it will be business as usual as we continue to work to raise standards in our sector to support and protect the flexible workforce in the UK that has been vital to the UK’s economic growth in recent years.”

UK-based staffing stocks were hit by the results of the EU Referendum. Hays saw their shares drop by 23% while PageGroup fell by 18% and SThree traded 10% lower.