Britain set for record hiring spree

A RECORD number of firms are planning to hire more staff before the end of the year.

In a boost to Britain’s recovery from the pandemic, half of employers plan to increase their workforce in the final quarter, according to a survey from employment firm Manpower Group.

But businesses are facing tough competition in the labour market, as companies fight it out for new staff amid a shortage of workers.

The national employment outlook is at an all-time high of 32pc, according to Manpower, a 39-point increase from the end of last year. Any positive number indicates that more employers plan to increase rather than cut staff numbers.

Chris Gray, a director at Manpower UK, said: ‘The labour market has roared back to life for the fourth quarter. This follows the rapid vaccine rollout across the UK and the end of restrictions this summer.’

■ GOUSTO, the subscription meal kit business, revealed that it plans to create 250 full-time technology jobs in London by the end of next year.