More than nine in ten employers expect to increase or maintain headcount this year, according to the latest JobsOutlook survey from the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC).

The survey also shows that a quarter of employers plan to add to their temporary workforce in the next year.

Roger Tweedy, the REC’s director of research says: “Increasing employer confidence is looking like resulting in more hiring over the coming year. Businesses are naturally cautious about the economic recovery which, is why the provision of temporary and contract work will continue to provide a useful outlet.
 
“Looking ahead, the REC is seeking government action to remove the barriers to growth and job creation such as increased business taxation and employment regulations. It is still a long road back to full employment in the UK and we are concerned that the squeeze on public expenditure could negate some of the upside we are seeing from private sector employers.”