Businesses optimistic about job creation in 2018, research shows

The latest CBI/Pertemps Network Group Employment Trends Survey has shown that businesses continue to be optimistic about creating jobs in 2018, despite uncertainty over Brexit.

The survey, which is in its 20th year, interviewed 299 businesses employing one million people and found that more than 50 per cent will be taking on more staff in the New Year.

Highest

Confidence about job creation was found to be the highest among small and medium-sized businesses, with 58 per cent planning to grow their workforce over the next year.

The survey also found that 93 per cent of businesses believe having a diverse and inclusive workforce is important to the success of their company, up from 76 per cent in 2016.

Despite confidence about job creation being high, the survey warned that boosting job growth depends on businesses continuing to be confident about remaining competitive if they choose to base their staff in the UK.

Businesses also revealed their top challenges in the research, with 79 per cent citing skills gaps as their main worry, up from 64 per cent in 2016. 49 per cent cited access to overseas workers as their top concern, up from 35 per cent last year.

Vital

Commenting on the survey, CBI Managing Director for People Policy Neil Carberry said that the UK’s job creation record is second to none, and the survey shows that this is set to continue next year.

He added that with softening economic growth and high employment, the survey emphasises the vital need to make progress on the Industrial Strategy and achieve a good Brexit deal to improve productivity, boost pay growth, and support job creation.