Cautious hiring is set to continue at the start of this year, according to research from CareerBuilder.

The research shows that while 73% of UK employers described their organisation’s financial performance as steady or growing, 28% say it is declining or uncertain.

Four in 10 (39%) plan to add new employees in 2011 with a mix of full-time, part-time, contract or temporary workers and interns, while 20% anticipate adding full-time, permanent staff.  

Tony Roy, president of CareerBuilder EMEA, says: “Employers are hiring again, albeit at a guarded pace.

“Our survey and job posting activity on CareerBuilder.co.uk point to gradual, moderate improvements in the UK job market in 2011. We’ll see more jobs added across a variety of industries, but it will still be a highly competitive job market.”