UK jobs market to pick up during 2015

A report by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has revealed half of UK firms are optimistic about the coming year and are looking at expanding their workforce during 2015.

When asked, 28% of firms said they are planning an increase in permanent staff and 16% said they would be increasing temporary staffing levels during the next 12 months.

In addition, 43% said they were planning pay rises that mirror the Retail Price Index (RPI) and 12% said they will give their staff pay rises above that level.

Scotland is expected to lead the way in its job growth, with positive news for the UK in general as companies in every region are expecting an upturn in the labour market in their own region.

The findings were based the CBI / Accenture Employment Trends Survey which includes responses from 323 firms which when combined, employ a total 1.25 million staff.

Skills shortages could halt growth

The report stated job prospects for younger people are expected to improve, with 30% of firms saying they are planning on increasing their graduate in-take during 2015.

Despite the positive outlook, there were concerns skills gaps could prevent vacancies being filled, with this being the biggest threat to the UK’s global competitiveness.

CBI deputy director general Katja Hall said: “Companies and the government need to work together” and underlined the importance of helping “employees move into higher skilled and better paid jobs.”

Filling a vacancy in payroll

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