Cautious outlook among employers as political uncertainty dampens immediate job prospects

The latest JobsOutlook survey from the REC shows that employers are cautious about jobs growth for 2010 as political uncertainty helps dampen immediate job prospects.

The REC’s Confidence Barometer fell in February in spite of improving business confidence.

• Consumer confidence rose to its highest level in the last year, despite low earnings growth.
• Unemployment dipped but is expected to increase over the next few months.
• Redundancies and headcount freeze levels are up but employers still predict slight growth in permanent staffing over 2010.
• Overall temporary worker staffing levels are set to remain stable.
• Most employers (68%) are unsure which political party would be best for jobs after the election.
• The survey also reveals that redundancies and headcount freeze levels are up but employers still predict growth in permanent staffing over 2010.

Findings also suggest some of the specific attributes that employers are looking for from new recruits. Top of the list?

• Communication and interpersonal skills.

The charts and graphs illustrate some of the key findings of this quarterly report.

What impact have recent economic changes had on your workforce in the UK?



In the next 3 months, do you think that your organisation’s permanent workforce will
increase or decrease?

Which of the following skills and capabilities are most urgently needed among the new permanent staff that you are, or have been recruiting, in the last year?

About the REC

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) is the association for the UK’s £22.5 billion private recruitment and staffing industry with over 9,000 corporate and individual members.

JobsOutlook is based on a monthly survey of employers undertaken by independent market research agency Market Shape. Results are based on a sample of 200 employers each month and presented on a three month rolling basis (600 responses). The survey is structured to reflect representation across all sectors and size of organisation that use agencies to meet their temporary, contract and permanent staffing needs.

Analysis and commentary is provided by the Cordoba Group, a consultancy specialising in HR, recruitment and organisation management.

Last update : 22-03-2010 19:16

Keywords : REC Monthly Employer Tracking Survey March 2010, REC, Recruitment and Employment Confederation, jobs, UK jobs, Cordoba Consulting Group

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