UK Prime Minister Theresa May announced today that she will resign as leader of the Conservative Party on 7 June. It comes after mounting pressure from her own party to step down after failing to win backing for her Brexit deal on three occasions.

Ann Swain, Chief Executive of the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) commented, “The irony that the Prime Minister is stepping down almost two years to the day that she held a General Election to put an end to ‘uncertainty and instability’ will not be lost on our members. While I think it is fair to say that many, if not all, have now reverted to ‘business as usual’ during this extended period of flux, there is no doubt that the current climate is far from ideal.”

May said, “"I will resign as leader of the Conservative and Unionist party on Friday, 7 June so that a successor can be chosen.” She added that ‘it is and will always remain a matter of deep regret to me that I have not been able to deliver Brexit.”

Swain commented, “While the professional end of the recruitment market may not be as exposed to the same potential post-Brexit risks as those recruiting for lower skilled roles, it is crucial that future strategy remains focussed on attracting the talent our country needs, as outlined in this year’s Spring Statement. The city, in particular, is facing challenges around both workforce planning and recruitment against the current backdrop, and the present climate is also holding back some companies from setting up or expending in Europe at this time.”

Earlier this week May announced a 10-point “new Brexit deal” but it was rejected by MPs.

According to Reuters, her departure will deepen the Brexit crisis as a new leader is likely to want a more decisive split, raising the chances of a confrontation with the EU and a potentially unpredictable snap parliamentary election.

May said she will continue to serve as prime minister while a Conservative leadership contest takes place.

She was appointed as Prime Minister on 2016, replacing David Cameron after he stepped down following the results of the EU Referendum.

“It is our hope that whoever May’s successor will be is determined to put the interests of the UK economy ahead of their personal ambitions, so that the professional recruitment community can leave this period of uncertainty behind and concentrate on growing their businesses in a more stable climate,” Swain said.

May’s government commissioned the Taylor Review into modern employment practices in 2016. Her government responded to the Taylor Review’s findings with the ‘Good Work Plan’ which set out a series of major government reforms with the aim of increasing rights and protections for workers, including those who work in the gig economy.