SMEs spearhead UK jobs growth

More than half of UK firms expect to hire more staff in the next 12 months, with medium-sized businesses (SMEs) leading the way, according to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).
Thu, 30 Oct 2014
More than half of UK firms expect to hire more staff in the next 12 months, with medium-sized businesses (SMEs) leading the way, according to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

In its latest Workforce Survey it finds that 54% of companies expect to increase the size of their workforce, with SMEs in IT, mining, energy and construction sectors the most positive. Companies in the arts, sports and recreation, catering and accommodation and education are the least likely to create more jobs.

James Toovey, managing director and founder of specialist IT recruiter Langley James, tells Recruiter that within the firm’s sector, “confidence among SMEs is very high, and this has led to more hiring”. He adds that this is because “of the amount of projects that had been on hold”.

There is now sufficient work around for companies to justify taking on permanent staff rather than contractors, he says.

John Longworth, director general of the BCC, says: “Smaller businesses, particularly within the IT, energy and construction sectors, are most confident about job growth, so it is crucial that those businesses are able to find talented workers with the right skills to meet that demand. This relies on schools and businesses working together to develop the talents of our young people.”

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