Other national findings include:
- 43% of firms are planning a pay rise in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI). There has been a small increase in the proportion of companies expecting to pay above RPI when compared with last year’s survey – 12% in 2014 compared to 7% in 2013;
- Low level of skills (63%), closely followed by the burden of employment regulation (61%) are seen as the greatest workforce threats to UK competitiveness – respondents believe this will still be the case in five years’ time (54%).
MORE than half of UK businesses are planning to expand their workforce this year, with the creation of permanent jobs outstripping temporary work.
That’s the finding of the Employment Trends Survey run by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and management consultants Accenture, suggesting job prospects for young people also have improved with many of these firms planning to recruit graduates and apprentices.
Neil Carberry, CBI director of employment and skills policy: “Firms are gearing up for a positive 2015 with over half planning to create jobs, most of which will be permanent. Young people should find more chances to get a foot on the career ladder this year, with many firms looking to boost their intake of graduates and apprentices.
“We want to see everyone enjoy the rewards of the recovery and every region has a big role in driving the UK economy forward. Growth should work for everyone, and skills are the key route to ensuring that this happens through improved productivity and pay.”
Olly Benzecry, managing director for Accenture in the UK and Ireland, said: “It’s important that growth works for everyone, which means regions throughout the UK benefitting from the economic recovery and employers opening up different and more inclusive routes into their workforces. It’s very encouraging to hear that businesses are planning to build their workforces in the future by taking on more young people, including apprentices.
“It is also good to note that, within this mix, companies are recognising that they can enhance their competitiveness by harnessing the digital capabilities of these young people.”
