Published in: INFO FOR STAFF

Problem or Opportunity? Brexit for Private Household Staff

Author Adam Irving

Published on: January 16, 2018

As the United Kingdom navigates the tumultuous aftermath of Brexit, the private household staff industry is poised on the brink of significant change. The impending alterations to immigration laws and the uncertainty surrounding trade agreements with the European Union have prompted concerns among many who fear the potential impact on the employment and placement of private household staff.

Brexit & Domestic Staff

However, while Brexit may present its share of challenges, it also promises fresh opportunities and a chance to reimagine the industry’s approach to recruitment.Since the inception of Irving Scott in 2013, we have been dedicated to connecting our clients with top-tier private household staff to create an environment of comfort and luxury.

Throughout our operations, approximately 30% of the candidates we have successfully placed have been citizens of European countries. Our candidates’ diversity reflects the industry’s global nature, a feature brought into the spotlight by Brexit.

The current proposal to allow European migrants to reside in the UK for two-year periods to carry out service-based roles has been met with some apprehension. Particularly among those who pay agency fees, this arrangement may be unattractive. However, at Irving Scott, we are committed to assuaging these worries and ensuring our clients that we are capable of adapting to new circumstances.

The key to successful placements in private households is matching the right candidate with the right environment. More than just a logistical challenge, this process requires an understanding of the unique needs and preferences of each client.

We have experienced firsthand the success of this approach, with numerous instances where our clients have willingly taken the extra step to arrange a visa for a candidate they deemed the perfect fit for their household, despite initially lacking the necessary permit.

These positive experiences are a potent reminder to maintain an open mind in these changing times. As the adage goes, when one door closes, another opens. The same holds for the private household staff industry in the face of Brexit.

The post-Brexit trade deals will likely facilitate flexible movement agreements with regions in emerging markets. This shift towards agile global recruitment opens up a world of potential candidates who bring a wealth of skills and expertise.

Private households will continue to aspire to maintain the highest quality of staff in their teams. In an industry that is not price sensitive, the initial impact of Brexit is expected to increase private household staff salaries.

This is due to the anticipated decrease in the pool of available candidates. However, this is an area in which Irving Scott excels. Our solid reputation and high success rate have resulted in an unrivalled registry of candidates who trust our ability to connect them with the right opportunities.

While we continue to put pressure on appropriate bodies to address issues such as visas and work permits, we remain steadfast in our commitment to finding the right person for each role, regardless of their nationality. Our ability to navigate these changing waters and successfully place candidates is what we do best.

Brexit, while posing challenges, also presents a unique opportunity for reimagining the recruitment process in the private household staff industry.

The shifts in immigration laws and trade agreements will necessitate adjustments but also open new avenues for sourcing talent.

At Irving Scott, we are ready to embrace these changes and continue to provide our clients with the highest standard of service. We see Brexit not as a hindrance but as a catalyst for growth and innovation in our industry.