Half of UK employers set to increase headcount

Almost half of UK firms are planning to increase their workforce by the start of next year, according to a new survey.

The poll of 462 firms in the UK conducted by the Confederation of British Industries (CBI) found that just 19 per cent are preparing to reduce their workforce, resulting in a net score of +28 per cent.

Figures from the CBI study contrast recent data published by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, which highlighted a contraction in the job market for the first time in two years.

Small firms with fewer than 250 employees were even more likely to be looking to expand their workforce with a net score of +35 per cent.

Dr Neil Bentley, CBI deputy director-general, said: "It is encouraging that firms right across the UK are growing their workforces, especially smaller companies. But employers are making hiring plans on shifting sands and there is a risk that the tentative private sector jobs recovery could be blown off course by fast-moving economic events at home and abroad."

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