JobsOutlook: Early signs of recovery in employer confidence as Omicron recedes

As the Omicron wave receded in January, business confidence levels started to show signs of recovery. That’s according to new Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) data.

In November 2021-January 2022, business confidence in the UK economy rose by six percentage points from the previous rolling quarter, to net: -5. In January, employers’ confidence levels turned positive (net: +1). This suggests more positive expectations for the economy in 2022, despite the threat of rising inflation and labour shortages.

The REC’s latest JobsOutlook survey also found that employers’ confidence in making hiring and investment decisions rose to net: +17 in the three months to January. This was eight percentage points higher than the previous rolling quarter.

With somewhat improved confidence levels, employers’ intentions to hire permanent staff increased further. Hiring intentions in the short term increased by four percentage points to net: +24, and medium-term demand rose by five points to net: +24.

However, hiring intentions remained highest for temporary workers in the short term, at net: +28. Temps will play a vital role in keeping businesses going as they adjust to the new normal. The role of temporary work in providing incomes and flexibility as we deal with cost of living increases should not be underestimated. Employers need more staff and temporary work can offer the increased income people need while maintaining other commitments such a family or caring responsibilities.

 Neil Carberry, Chief Executive of the REC, said:

“As we entered 2022, activity in the UK jobs market continued to surge. With the worst of the Omicron wave behind us, employers feel a little more optimistic about the state of the economy. And the majority are desperate to hire, and not just permanent staff. Temporary workers are in high demand as businesses try to kick-start this year’s growth.

“But there is a huge participation gap in the labour market right now. Firms must make workforce planning their number one priority. That means putting serious effort into attracting candidates from a wider variety of backgrounds, training workers to fill the gaps, and retaining their best talent. Hybrid and remote working will be one part of that – we know that more workers are demanding it. But other benefits, conditions and development opportunities are also vital parts of a successful people strategy.

“Government must play its part too by urgently overhauling the skills system – including broadening the apprenticeship levy. Politicians must ensure we are building the skills base the UK will need in the future. Without it, we cannot hope to level up the UK economy in the long term.”

Other stats from the latest JobsOutlook include:

• Hiring intentions for temporary workers in the medium term remained robust at net: +19.
• In January, three in ten (31%) employers reported that candidates they have interviewed since the pandemic began in March 2020 preferred some form of hybrid working. Just 13% would rather work exclusively from home. The strongest preference was to be predominantly at business premises with some remote/home working (17%).

 Ends

Notes to editors:

JobsOutlook is produced by the REC in partnership with Savanta ComRes. Savanta ComRes interviewed 602 UK employers involved in hiring by telephone between 5 November 2021 and 26 January 2022. Data were weighted to be representative of UK adults in employment by region, broad industry sector and public/private split. Savanta ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Data tables are available at www.comresglobal.com.

For more information and interview enquiries, contact the REC Press Office on 020 7009 2157, 020 7009 2129 or pressoffice@rec.uk.com. Outside of regular office hours, please call 07702 568 829.

The REC is the voice of the recruitment industry, speaking up for great recruiters. We drive standards and empower recruitment businesses to build better futures for great candidates and themselves. We are champions of an industry which is fundamental to the strength of the UK economy.

Find out more about the Recruitment & Employment Confederation at www.rec.uk.com.