Staff increases at Kent firms
Comments |
Many firms
across Kent and the south east intend to take on more people over
the next 12 months, according to new research.
In what is seen as a hopeful sign amid fears of a massive jobs
fallout in the public sector, new research suggests the private
sector may create new jobs, especially for skilled workers.
Research by Clydesdale Bank, which has offices in Maidstone and
Tunbridge Wells, found that 45 per cent of businesses plan to
increase their workforce in the coming year.
A similar number - 44 per cent - felt confident that their
business will grow during the next year while 39 per cent reckon it
will continue to operate at current levels.
Businesses planning to recruit are twice as likely to hire skilled
people, with more than half - 53 per cent - looking for skilled
workers and just under a quarter - 23 per cent - looking to take on
managers.
But despite improving confidence levels, 12 per cent still
expect to see a reduction in business in the next 12 months while
more than a quarter - 28 per cent - expect to cut staffing
levels.
The research also found that businesses recognise the importance of
investing in their existing workforce with 47 per cent identifying
staff retention and recruitment as their key priority for the year,
and training - 31 per cent - following close behind.
Will Lindsay, the bank's regional director South, said the
results were encouraging, suggesting that a growing number of
employers were looking to the future with more confidence.
"It continues to be a challenging time and many will have had to
make tough decisions to protect their business. However, few will
have lost sight of the fact that their staff are their most
important asset. By investing in their workforce when the time is
right, businesses are helping to pave the way for growth and future
success.
"The research appears to indicate that recruitment and training are
beginning to re-emerge as key priorities for UK businesses as they
look to the future and plan if, and how, they will take advantage
of any emerging opportunities."
Monday, September 06 2010
The KM Group does not moderate comments.
Please click here for our house rules.