Hard Brexit could cost 75,000 financial jobs in the UK

The cost of a so-called 'hard Brexit' to revenues in Britain's financial services sector could be as high as £38 billion, with up to 75,000 jobs in the firing line, a study shows.
Hard Brexit could cost thousands of financial jobs. Picture: GettyHard Brexit could cost thousands of financial jobs. Picture: Getty
Hard Brexit could cost thousands of financial jobs. Picture: Getty

The scenario in which British companies are unable to sell services across the European single market, outlined in a study commissioned by TheCityUK, would also see the Treasury lose up to £10 billion in tax revenue.

Sir Hector Sants, vice chairman at Oliver Wyman, which authored the report, said: “It is in everyone’s best interests for there to be a positive outcome to the negotiations that is mutually beneficial to the UK and the EU, causes minimum disruption to the industry and benefits customers who have come to rely on the UK as a uniquely skilled and connected ecosystem for financial services.”

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His comments come as the pound continues its downward trajectory amid the Conservative Party conference, where Theresa May and key ministers have signalled the UK is on course for a hard Brexit.

In a “lowest access scenario”, where the UK’s relationship with the EU rests largely on World Trade Organisation regulations, the report estimates up to £20 billion in revenues and up to 35,000 jobs could be at risk, along with approximately £3 billion to £5 billion of tax revenues.

In a less drastic outcome where the Square Mile’s financial institutions retain passporting rights, which allow them to do business in Europe, the report estimates 4,000 jobs would be at risk amid a £2 billion decline in revenues.