THE outlook for Yorkshire job seekers is the worst in the country as firms put recruitment plans on ice.

The latest employment outlook survey from workforce specialist Manpower also warns today that a British exit from the European Union could leave businesses facing a critical talent shortage, with EU workers no longer able to move freely to the UK.

The findings, based on responses from 2,100 employers, shows that Yorkshire employers are the least optimistic in the UK about their hiring prospects and well below the national average.

Amanda White, Manpower operations manager, said: “Recruiters in manufacturing and engineering are particularly cautious. Employers tell us that the Apprenticeship Levy and the outcome of the EU referendum are discouraging them from making long-term hiring decisions, meaning they are focused on just replacing headcount, rather than growing.

“We do have some cause for optimism, though, with a rise in the number of available roles at fast-moving consumer goods companies.”

Manpower warns that national hiring intentions have been hit by Brexit uncertainty and fell for the second successive month, although employers say their need more workers.

James Hick, managing director, said: “Britain added 404,000 jobs in the last 12 months alone, and despite the uncertainties of Brexit, employers tell us they still need more workers.

“Make no mistake about the vital contribution EU workers make to Britain.There are currently 2.2 million people from the EU working in the UK, but not all of them will stay here in the long term and we need the opportunity to replace the skills they bring.

“Britain today is a magnet for international talent, from finance to tech to the NHS. Leaving the EU will make it much more difficult to attract the brightest and best. It will mean more bureaucracy for those coming to Britain and salaries could be less competitive, especially if sterling falls, as many warn it could.

“British businesses need free movement that EU membership brings.”