In Q2, 55% of firms attempted recruitment, similar to Q1's 54%. Of those, 73% faced hiring difficulties, improving from 76% in Q1. Research included responses from over 4,500 UK businesses, predominantly SMEs. Recruitment challenges were highest in transport and logistics (80%) and construction (77%). While 60% maintained workforce size, 25% expect to grow in the next three months. Labour costs remain a major concern for 73% of businesses, particularly impacting transport and hospitality sectors. Investment in training remained stable, with many firms not increasing their spend in this area.
The position remains the same, attempting to cover the vastly increased wage bill due to NIC rises, as well as other cost increases, without the ability to pass on to the customer, which has directly impacted recruitment and growth plans.
Labour costs remain the biggest cost pressure for businesses, cited by 73% of respondents, consistent with previous quarters.
Collection
[
|
...
]