REC response to ONS labour market stats, February 2022

The ONS has published its latest labour market update this morning. Commenting on the figures, Neil Carberry, Chief Executive of the REC, said:

“With hours worked and overall employment still below pre-pandemic rates, the British jobs market has not yet recovered its full capacity. Given that it is inactivity - people not in jobs and not looking for one - that has risen, addressing the labour shortages companies face is a huge challenge. Temporary work is helping firms to keep things moving, as it always does, highlighting the crucial role the staffing industry plays in the economy. But business and government must now work together on attracting more people, from a wide variety of backgrounds, into the labour force. Failing to address shortages will only constrain growth and feed inflation.”

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