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UK Employment Giving Reason for Optimism

A survey of more than 2000 firms by one of the UK’s largest recruitment agencies has given UK employment rates reason for optimism.

The research from Manpower has revealed that more firms are encouraged by signs of economic growth and are now feeling like they are more likely to take people on rather than lay them off.

The announcement comes ahead of official statistics which are expected to show a further increases in the rate of unemployment. Last month unemployment figures stood at 2.67 million. The Bank of England predicting that the UK is likely to “zig-zag” in and out of growth.

However, Manpower UK managing director Mark Cahill said:

“It does feel like we’re turning a corner when it comes to the jobs market.”

“Businesses that were battening down the hatches in the last quarter appear to be considering taking on staff. We’ve noticed much more flexibility among employers, particularly in the market for permanent hiring.”

A similar survey was performed three months ago with firms feeling the state of the economy would force them to lay off staff but the latest survey found that many more businesses are a lot more optimistic, particularly in the East Midlands and North-West England. . The outlook in London was further boosted by the positivity surrounding the upcoming Olympic Games. However, there was a negative outlook in the rest of south-east and eastern England, and in Wales.

Last month, figures for the three months to December showed unemployment increased by 48,000, the smallest rise in almost a year.

And the Bank of England’s quarterly inflation report predicted the economy would grow by about 1% in the coming months.

Its governor Sir Mervyn King said he expected the economy to avoid a double-dip recession and that some businesses had indicated things had picked up at the start of the year. However, he warned it might not last.