Construction firms around the region are urging their European staff to return to work after the Christmas break amid fears that uncertainty over their status as workers post-Brexit may keep them away.
New figures from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) show 85% of bosses of construction SMEs, who employ EU workers, say these individuals are important in allowing their business to maintain and expand its workforce.
Three quarters (76%) of these firms say it would have a negative impact on the health of their business if any of their EU workers decided not to return to the UK, either post-Christmas or post-Brexit.
Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: 'Our latest research shows that EU workers are vital to the success of the UK construction industry and our message to these individuals is clear – you are highly valued and we need you.'
He added that ministers 'haven't done enough to reassure EU workers that they have a future in the UK'.
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