‘Glimmer of hope on jobs front’

FIRMS are reporting “clear signs” of improvement on the employment front despite the continuing impact of the virus crisis, a new study suggests.

Research by employment group Manpower found that the outlook remained at a near-historic low, but there were signs of stronger hiring intentions in utilities and agriculture as well as positive momentum in several other key sectors.

Manpower’s survey of over 1,250 UK employers found the main bright spots were in utilities and agriculture, while there were indications of progress in finance and business services.

Transport, storage and communications were among the weakest sectors, said the report.

Mark Cahill, managing director of ManpowerGroup UK, said: “This is still the second-weakest outlook we’ve seen since 1992, but a positive trend in several key sectors is cause for some cautious optimism.

“Despite the end of the furlough scheme in October and signs of a resurgence in the virus in some areas, employers expect the UK jobs outlook to be tentatively heading in the right direction as 2020 ends.

“A twin-track recovery is emerging, with some sectors in the fast lane and better placed to bounce back while others face a more testing end to the year.

“The contrast with sectors such as construction and hard-hit industries like hospitality is clear.

“There’s still very strong demand for skilled trades, such as electricians, carpenters, and engineers.”