Employers continue to hire despite low business confidence

Latest findings reveal that despite economic uncertainty among UK employers, they’re still continuing to hire.

The REC’s (Recruitment & Employment Confederation) latest JobsOutlook report found that contract/temp demand increased from net: +2 in February-April 2019 to net +5 this quarter (May-July).

Interestingly, this increase in demand was much higher among SMEs than large organisations.

Tom Hadley, Director of Policy and Campaigns at the REC, commented on the recent findings, “Our flexible labour market continues to be one of the strongest elements of the UK economy.

“This most recent survey shows employers are still looking to take on both permanent and temporary workers as they seek to maintain stability amidst the Brexit uncertainty. More employers also seem to be trying to transfer their best temps into permanent roles as candidate shortages continue to bite across many sectors.

“These skills shortages are especially acute in sectors like health and social care. With over 100,000 vacancies in the NHS and staff already working at full capacity, the government’s recent announcement on ending freedom of movement has come at the worst possible time. EU workers are an integral part of our health and social care system and the UK workforce as a whole. It is essential that the government has in place a sensible transition towards an evidence-based immigration policy to help reassure employers and EU citizens.”

To find out more about contracting please contact Jaime on 01442 795 100 or email jaime.thorpe@contractorumbrella.com.