Fears and uncertainty now Brexit is a reality.

It’s a somber mood in the Green Mop office today. Today, our government has started the process leading to Britain’s exit from the EU. With the majority of our Green Moppers being from Europe, there is uncertainty that our hard-working, tax-paying colleagues will be able to stay with us. Our European friends who live and work here will be just another commodity to add to the negotiations. Just another bargaining chip with no guarantee of what the outcome will be.

Whatever your opinion on immigration, many industries and services rely heavily on migrant workers, and that includes cleaning. We’ve already seen a significant downturn in the number of job applicants from EU nationals. If, in two years’ time, we throw all EU citizens out (or if they choose to leave where they don’t feel welcome), it will obviously severely impact our workforce.

Our customer base is made up of a huge variety of businesses. It would be foolish to presume they will all be unaffected by Brexit. The impact of unstable currency markets, trading in the single market, workforce resources, the list is long and complicated. There are so many unknowns and a bumpy road ahead for many of us.

Here’s hoping our business and our customers’ businesses come out the other side as unscathed as possible. Hold tight, we’re in for a bumpy ride!