UK life sciences firms struggle in post-Brexit war for EU talent

Following the Brexit vote, the UK is already seeing problems in filling senior positions at life sciences companies, says DHR International, the global executive search firm.

DHR International says that, before Brexit, their average “slate” of candidates for senior roles at UK pharmaceutical companies was around 40% non-UK nationals. However, DHR would now expect to see just 15% non-UK candidates on average, as candidates are uncertain of the stability of a senior UK position following Brexit.

One area where recruiters for UK roles are looking to ‘poach’ senior staff is from the European Union’s medical evaluating body, the European Medicines Agency (EMA).