Job insecurity among UK workers has risen from 5% to 13% since the UK’s decision to leave the EU last year, according to research from Office Genie, an office search engine focused on SMEs and freelancers.

The survey, which polled more than 1,250 workers, showed that before the EU referendum, 70% of workers felt secure in their job, now only 58% feel secure. Of those who felt secure, job security levels dipped by 17% after Brexit.

“Brexit has left a lot of people feeling uncertain about the future of the UK and what it will be like as a place to work in the coming years,” Sarah Sutton, Head of People Development at Genie Ventures, said.

“Therefore it makes sense that it’s not only EU nationals that are feeling insecure in their jobs, but UK citizens too.”

Meanwhile, 70% of the workforce believe it's an employer's duty to calm Brexit-related distress, however 54% of workplaces have experienced such concerns with 31% of these employers choosing to reassure  staff.

Survey data also showed that 76% of workers thought the best solution for employers to help calm fears would be to inform employees of any updates. Offering flexible working (25%) and one-to-one managerial support (20%) were also seen as potential ways to ease worries. Nearly one in ten respondents even believed counselling should be offered in way of support.

“Employers should aim to tell staff about any new regulations coming into place,” Sutton said. “They should also offer reassurance, either in an address to all staff or on a one-to-one basis.”