Following David Cameron’s announcement that Britain’s referendum on EU membership will be held on 23rd June 2016, the National Outsourcing Association’s chief executive has come out in favour of the nation remaining part of a reformed European Union.

Kerry Hallard, CEO of the NOA, stated: “This isn’t the hokey kokey with an ‘in, out, in, out’ option. If we vote Out, we’re out for the long term, and there will be repercussions for British businesses and likely the country as a whole – though none of us really know the extent – there’s been no dress rehearsals!”

Having said this, Ms Hallard went on to emphasise that the current state of affairs in the EU is far from ideal from a British perspective: “We’re for keeping Britain in a reformed EU, where we can continue to have influence and be seen globally as a key player – exiting would certainly diminish Britain’s appeal on this global stage.

“The outsourcing industry is a significant growth industry for the UK (currently the UK’s second largest employer) and one where we have every chance of taking a global leadership position. Exiting the EU would significantly diminish our role within the very important global business services industry, having negative ramifications on the UK’s financial, legal and consultancy markets, among others. We are however pleased that the referendum is happening so quickly – we need to get through this period of uncertainty as quickly as possible.”

There’s growing concern in the global outsourcing community about the ramifications “Brexit” would hold for Britain as an outsourcing destination. However, those backing the Out campaign have countered that EU policies currently restrict Britain’s trading relationships with countries outside of the Union - such as China and the United States - and argue that leaving the EU would eventually allow Britain to strengthen those ties.

Kerry Hallard weighed in on this: “Last week I was in India and had many conversations on this subject with key Indian players. Their expectation for the UK to stay in the EU was clear.

“There was however another key issue discussed and this was the potential impending caps on migration for Indian workers coming into the UK. It is wrong that the UK is restricting access to the skilled labour we so desperately need access to in order to grow, because we have no control over the mass unskilled migration we are suffering. Cameron needs to develop a better work around on this issue rather the knee-jerk reaction that is currently proposed.”

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