A decision to leave the EU could lead to a jobs crisis in the UK, according to new research from independent job site CV-Library.

The research found that that 66.1% of recruiters in the UK believe a possible Brexit will have a negative effect on the UK labour market, with 55.6% believing that it would be particularly harmful to workers.

“With just over a week to go until D-Day, these findings reveal the true extent of a possible Brexit on UK jobs,” Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library, said. “It’s clear that recruitment professionals are concerned about the impact on their access to skilled workers, which is unsurprising given the nation is already facing skills shortages in key sectors. There are a number of economic pressures in the current climate, and whether we stay or go, businesses will need to prioritise investments in robust hiring strategies to ensure they overcome recruitment challenges.”

The research, which surveyed over 2,000 recruitment professionals in the UK, revealed the key areas where recruiters expect there to be significant impacts.  The study showed that 60.9% believe job cuts would be inevitable. Meanwhile, 66.3% agreed there will be increased skills shortages and 57.5% warned that a lack of EU workers will drive up recruitment costs. Moreover, pay rises could also be put on hold, according to 40.6% of recruiters.

Furthermore, the research found that 66.9% of recruiters stated concerns over the loss of business in Britain’s labour market if the UK leaves the EU, with 46.6% believing that there will be fewer positions to apply to due to financial strains amongst organisations.

“Britain is an international hub, with many large corporations basing their European headquarters in the Capital,” Biggins said.  “If the nation does decide on a Brexit, employers could face a lack of foreign investment, as well as a huge reduction in available talent, resulting in a major shift in the nation’s job market. While the candidates that obtain the key skills currently in demand should be able to use this to their advantage, businesses facing cuts as a result of leaving the EU may not be able to meet their expectations, particularly when it comes to salaries.” 

The EU Referendum will take place on 23 June.