More than half (51%) of HR executives say it is likely or definite that their organisation will make employees redundant in the next three months, according to research from online re-employment assistance provider MyWorkSearch.

The research shows most executives expect to lose up to 10% of their workforce, with 60% of public sector HR executives and 48% within the private sector anticipating redundancies in the next quarter.

Just 13% thought that the job market had got better over the last three months.

Richard Alberg, founder and chief executive of MyWorkSearch, says: “With the outlook so mixed, it’s clear that jobseekers still face real challenges securing employment and need all the help they can get.

“It’s heartening to see the majority of HR professionals think that the practical and relevant help provided by job finding assistance is a better investment for redundant employees than the short-term benefit of a financial settlement. In fact, they rate outplacement so highly that 68% think it is in government’s interest to provide funding to help organisations deliver it.”