Confidence in the economy stabilises on Brexit anniversary

UK employer confidence in the economy has stabilised a year after the nation’s vote to leave the European Union.

That’s according to the latest JobsOutlook survey by the Recruitment & Employment Confederation, released today.

The survey of 607 employers, released ahead of this week’s first anniversary of the UK’s Brexit vote, shows a net balance of +5% think that economic conditions in the country are getting better. Despite recovering and stabilising following a low of -4% in November 2016, confidence in the economy remains significantly worse than before the June 2016 EU referendum – a net balance of +26% was shown just before the vote.

When asked about confidence in their own company’s recruitment and investment decisions, employers were more optimistic, with a net balance of +18% expecting it to improve according to the latest report. However, this compares to +31% recorded in June 2016.

The findings also show:

  • 35% of UK employers report having absolutely no spare capacity to absorb more work
  • 42% expecting a shortage of candidates for permanent hire in at least one skills area
  • demand for industrial workers and drivers is particularly high.

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