29th Jan 2025 11:25
(Alliance News) - The knock to employer confidence in the UK from the budget is not as bad as feared, according to a report.
Employers' confidence in the economy slightly increased heading into the new year, suggesting that some of the gloomier forecasts may be underplaying the potential for 2025, said the Recruitment & Employment Confederation, REC.
Demand for workers is down but it's not gone, a survey of 634 employers suggested.
The study showed that employers' perception of the UK economy's performance, while still weak, was improving.
The recruitment organisation said the survey also showed some signs of optimism in the job market.
Medium-size companies were more positive about intentions to hire permanent and temporary staff, the REC said.
Chief Executive Neil Carberry said: "There can be no doubt that the budget created headwinds for companies all over the country, but the data shows that the economy is bigger than government policy, with employers' confidence holding steady as we head into 2025.
"The growth reset that the chancellor has been talking about is vital to keeping up momentum now."
By Alan Jones, PA Industrial Correspondent
Press Association: Finance
source: PA
Copyright 2025 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.