FROM APRIL's RECRUITER MAGAZINE 

Director, Venture Recruitment

“George Osborne said it was going to be a tough year, but I don’t think we will slip into another recession. The outlook can look grim with job cuts in certain markets. However, there are also some really positive stories out there around growth and buoyancy in other sectors. I think with smart management and experience of these tough conditions businesses can perform regardless. I’d take a measured approach to any expenditure, ensure your business is working even harder to develop the relationships they have in place, as well as winning new customers to combat tougher economic conditions if they do arrive. The job market, for me, will remain the same as it has done for the last few years. It’s tough out there. However, employment is out there, depending on what people are willing to do and how hard they are willing to work to get in front of potential employers.”

Nicola Grimshaw

Chief executive, Oakleaf Partnership

“I don’t believe we have another recession around the corner. But I do think there will be quite a bit of uncertainty in the UK market until after the Brexit referendum in June. I think we will see some resistance to major new projects and investments over the next six months, which could put the brakes on recruitment until after the vote. Nevertheless, since UK plc is generally in a good position, we are expecting the second half of the year to show strength and for hiring plans to gather momentum again.”

Peter Hilditch

Account director, IDPP

“Based on what I have seen the last year, the UK economy will not enter a recession in the near future. Our clients have plans for growth in 2016 and are looking to grow further this year. Moving forward I feel that 2016 will be a positive time for the UK job market and look forward to helping our clients grow and meet their goals for this year and beyond.”