UK hiring confidence on the up

Latest research has revealed that during October – December last year, despite restrictions caused by Covid-19, businesses were feeling a lot more confident about hiring.

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation’s (REC) JobsOutlook report shows that hiring intentions for temporary agency workers remained in positive territory, at net: +5 in the short term and net: +13 in the medium term.

Neil Carberry, Chief Executive of the REC, commented, “The UK’s labour market is resilient, even in tough times like these. There are still reasons for optimism about 2021 once we move past current lockdowns. With the vaccine rollout continuing at pace, employers are hoping that things will move towards normal, unlocking investment and jobs as they focus on growing their businesses. Recruiters are uniquely positioned to help firms do this, and help candidates get back into work.

“The challenge now is for government to help businesses get through these next few months until the majority of people have been vaccinated. Waiting until the March Budget for clarity on support will be too late. New plans for businesses – including deferring repayments of 2020 support, and reducing the cost of furlough to firms – would help keep more people in work and more businesses healthy.”

To find out more about contracting please contact Mahli on 01206 591 000 or email mahli.tugby@contractorumbrella.com.