What Does Brexit Mean For QA and QC Talent in the Life Sciences?

In our recent Talent in Science (TIS) survey, we found that 40% of European Quality Assurance and Control professionals in the Life Sciences call the UK home. This is a significant community of more than 4000 Quality specialists. But in the face of an uncertain Brexit, how can the UK ensure it remains a leading employer of QA and QC talent?

We take a closer look at the ways UK Life Sciences organisations are succeeding in a post-Brexit world, along with the impact on QA and QC professionals, below.

UK Organisations Continue to Value EU Talent

A CIPD Labour Market Survey found that Brexit had not dampened UK demand for talented EU workers. Two-thirds of employers said they would continue to employ EU nationals, and, although we may see restrictions to the free movement of people, it is very likely that we will continue to see the free movement of employees. Skilled QA and QC talent will remain valuable and sought-after, regardless of the wider political implications of Brexit – though it may be crucial to innovate in the ways we attract and retain this important talent pool.

New Investment in British Science

The great news for QA and QC talent in the UK is that the country continues to be a highly regarded scientific hub and is attracting significant investment. In August 2019, the government announced a ￡60M cash boost for UK scientists working in conjunction with global colleagues to tackle some of the world’s biggest health and environmental challenges. It is also 5th on the Global Innovation Index 2019 and home to some of the most prestigious universities and research facilities in the world. 78% of the QA and QC talent we surveyed in our Talent in Science (TIS) report would consider a cross-border move for work, with 25% having already made the leap. Despite Brexit, the UK continues to be a hugely attractive prospect for international talent.

A Renewed Focus on New UK STEM Talent

The UK government has renewed its commitment to supporting STEM talent by encouraging young people to explore STEM careers and subjects from an early age, following a 2018 parliamentary report. Joint ventures like STEM Learning, which aims to achieve a world-leading STEM education for young people across the UK, are helping to develop a new generation of Life Sciences talent. This has been reflected in this year’s A-level results and university admissions which have shown increased entry for further education STEM subjects. This is positive news for the science industry as a whole, and for QA and QC.

Rewards Could Be A Deciding Factor for Talent

Brexit is creating some uncertainty around the future of UK jobs in QA and QC. This means that rewards are more important than ever when it comes to talent attraction. Surprisingly, the UK came last in our review of 7 European countries when comparing average pay for Quality Assurance Managers. This is something that UK Life Sciences employers have to tackle, considering not only salary but the wider rewards and opportunities they can offer to ensure their organisations are a sought-after home for top QA and QC talent.

Branding and Attraction Is Crucial  

Brexit creates a branding challenge for organisations looking to attract exceptional QA and QC talent. This means UK organisations have to step up their game and be prepared to innovate on branding and attraction. They have to shout about their value as an employer and the opportunities they provide for challenging work. They must look at new ways to source and reach key talent pools. Our TIS survey found that the number one candidate attraction factor for QA and QC professionals was employer reputation. The UK is home to some of the most innovative and exciting Life Sciences organisations in the world. This global reputation is something that can continue to attract top talent despite Brexit.

Uncertainty over Brexit is the greatest challenge facing the QA and QC talent community today. But it seems organisations across the UK are harnessing this uncertainty to power innovation and progress. In fact, demand for Life Sciences professionals increased by 11% in 2018, according to a report from business intelligence specialist Vacancysoft. It may be our collective response to Brexit that will ultimately decide the impact on QA and QC professionals along with the wider scientific community. By committing to best practice in every aspect of talent attraction, sourcing, and retention, along with ongoing openness to innovation, it’s likely the UK Life Sciences sector will continue to thrive.

Download our TIS report on Quality Assurance and Quality Control today to discover unique insights into this evolving industry https://bit.ly/2P6bncs.