A poll conducted by the National Outsourcing Association (NOA) has found that the majority of the UK outsourcing industry wants Britain to remain part of a reformed European Union. Over 100 UK outsourcers, representing all sides of the UK outsourcing industry, participated in the survey and shared their views.

Key findings include:

• 73% of the UK outsourcing industry believe Britain should remain part of a reformed EU

• 35% of those say the most significant reason to remain is “to preserve valuable outsourcing and trade relationships”

• Of the 27% that opted to leave, over half say Britain should do so to ensure that the only government ruling Britain is one elected by the British people

• 34% overall think a better deal could be secured to justify Britain’s EU membership

The majority of respondents (73%) are in favour of Britain remaining part of a reformed EU, in order to preserve EU-based outsourcing relationships, protect British jobs and maintain Britain’s influence on the world stage. Sovereignty is the main concern for those that want Britain to leave the EU – they want Britain to regain control of its laws, to ensure that the only government ruling the country is one elected by the British people, and build stronger outsourcing agreements outside the EU.

Overall, 34% of those surveyed say a better deal with the European Union could be secured. 31% believe David Cameron’s “special status” deal is sufficient, while 17% think no sufficient deal can be secured by the UK government to justify Britain’s EU membership.

Kerry Hallard, CEO of the NOA, affirmed that the UK outsourcing industry has spoken:

“The views of the NOA membership reflect those of Britain’s outsourcing industry as a whole, the same views held by the C-suite at the likes of BT, HSBC, IBM, Serco and Unilever. We’re all for keeping Britain in a reformed EU, where we can continue to have influence and be seen globally as a key player – ‘Brexit’ would certainly diminish Britain’s appeal on the world stage.

“Outsourcing 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 quickly diminish our role within the global business services industry, guaranteeing negative ramifications for the UK’s financial, legal and consultancy markets, as well as 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.”

Access the full report on the NOA website.

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