9 minute read
Workforce growth struggles as Budget costs loom
Less than a quarter of firms increased their workforce in Q4 2024, according to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Insight Unit’s latest Quarterly Recruitment Outlook (QRO.)
The survey shows 24 per cent of responding businesses said they had increased their staffing numbers over the past three months, down from 27 per cent in Q3, while 60 per cent said their workforce had remained constant and 16 per cent reported a cut in staff.
The research was conducted after the Budget when the National Insurance changes were announced, with the fieldwork carried out between 11 November and 9 December.
A total of 4,808 businesses across the UK responded (91 per cent of whom are SMEs).
The was a slight recovery in the number of firms attempting to recruit – 59 per cent compared with 56 per cent in Q3. For the firms who have attempted to hire over the past three months, 79 per cent of respondents said they had experienced difficulties, up from 76 per cent in Q3. That is the highest level since Q2 2023.
Construction and engineering firms continue to struggle the most finding staff, with 83 per cent reporting recruitment issues. Manufacturers are not far behind with 82 per cent having difficulty, followed by 81 per cent of businesses in the transport and logistics sector. At the other end of the scale, 69 per cent of marketing and communications firms faced problems.
Labour costs continue to be the main pressure businesses are facing to raise prices in Q4, cited by 75 per cent of firms. That is up significantly from 66 per cent in the previous quarter. The pressure is currently felt most keenly in hospitality (87 per cent), then transport (84 per cent), construction (82 per cent) and manufacturing (80 per cent).
More firms are reducing investment in staff, with 19 per cent of responding businesses reporting a cut in training spend compared with 13 per cent in Q3. Meanwhile, 22 per cent said they had increased training investment, down from 25 per cent in the previous quarter, and 60 per cent of businesses said training investment had remained the same.
Responding to the findings, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Our latest concerning results are likely to represent just the tip of the iceberg.
“Business confidence has been hit hard since the Budget. Employers are now having to plan for a significant increase in employment costs, with steep rises in National Insurance and the minimum wage coming down the track in April. This will inevitably impact on recruitment, retention and staff development. Firms tell us they will have to make some tough decisions to balance the books.
“The cuts in training investment are also worrying because improving skills is a vital part of driving economic growth. Our data shows firms are facing significant challenges recruiting the right people. The problems in the construction and manufacturing sectors are particularly concerning.
“Cost pressures are already casting a shadow over recruitment, employment and training efforts. However, the full impact of these challenges will only become apparent later this year.
“If businesses are to grow and meet future demand, they need a functioning labour market. This means addressing skills shortages, removing barriers to workforce participation, and creating the right conditions for firms to invest in their people.”
Every month we bring you a mix of information sessions, networking events and training sessions with some of the top local business professionals from an array of different industries. Each event is designed to offer invaluable up-to-date information tailored to our attendee’s wants and needs, as well as networking opportunities to help you grow your business.
Every month we bring you a mix of information sessions, networking events and training sessions with some of the top local business professionals from an array of different industries. Each event is designed to offer invaluable up-to-date information tailored to our attendee’s wants and needs, as well as networking opportunities to help you grow your business.
With a mix of events held online and face to face across Kent, you’re sure to find the right one for you.
With a mix of events held online and face to face across Kent, you’re sure to find the right one for you.
Employment Law Update
Employment Law Update
Wednesday 12th February 2025
Wednesday 12th February 2025
Mercure Maidstone Hotel | 8:30am - 12:00pm
Mercure Maidstone Hotel | 8:30am - 12:00pm
Members: £40.00 + VAT | Non-Members: £50.00 + VAT
Members: £40.00 + VAT | Non-Members: £50.00 + VAT
Key developments include a new employer duty to prevent workplace sexual harassment, along with practical measures to implement; and the Employment Rights Bill 2024, which introduces significant updates such as changes to unfair dismissal laws, zero-hours contracts, flexible working arrangements, day-one rights, fire-and-rehire practices, and the Equality (Race and Disability) Bill 2024.
Key developments include a new employer duty to prevent workplace sexual harassment, along with practical measures to implement; and the Employment Rights Bill 2024, which introduces significant updates such as changes to unfair dismissal laws, zero-hours contracts, flexible working arrangements, day-one rights, fire-and-rehire practices, and the Equality (Race and Disability) Bill 2024.
These reforms have been heralded as “the most significant enhancement of workers’ rights in a generation.”
These reforms have been heralded as “the most significant enhancement of workers’ rights in a generation.”
International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day
Friday 7th March 2025
Friday 7th March 2025
Ashford International Hotel | 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ashford International Hotel | 10:00am - 12:00pm
Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: Free to Attend
Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: Free to Attend
Imagine a gender-equal world free from bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world of diversity, equity, and inclusion, where differences are celebrated. Together, we can #InspireInclusion by celebrating women’s achievements, raising awareness of discrimination, and driving gender parity.
Imagine a gender-equal world free from bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world of diversity, equity, and inclusion, where differences are celebrated. Together, we can #InspireInclusion by celebrating women’s achievements, raising awareness of discrimination, and driving gender parity.
Join us on International Women’s Day with guest speakers Katherine Vass (Women In Business Networking), Lucy Druesne (Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce), and Miranda Chapman (Pillory Barn).
Join us on International Women’s Day with guest speakers Katherine Vass (Women In Business Networking), Lucy Druesne (Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce), and Miranda Chapman (Pillory Barn).
Chamber Connections
Chamber Connections
Thursday 20th February 2025, Hempstead House Hotel, Sittingbourne
Thursday 20th February 2025, Hempstead House Hotel, Sittingbourne
Thursday 6th March 2025, Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel, Pembury
Thursday 6th March 2025, Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel, Pembury
Thursday 3rd April 2025, Platform 26, Chatham
Thursday 3rd April 2025, Platform 26, Chatham
10:30am - 12:00pm
10:30am - 12:00pm
Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: £30.00 + VAT
Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: £30.00 + VAT
Join others for our very popular Chamber Connections networking event and receive a warm welcome from your Chamber representative on arrival, who will be on hand to help you meet new members of the business community
Join others for our very popular Chamber Connections networking event and receive a warm welcome from your Chamber representative on arrival, who will be on hand to help you meet new members of the business community
This informal event will give you an opportunity to promote your business and make invaluable connections with local businesses in Kent.
This informal event will give you an opportunity to promote your business and make invaluable connections with local businesses in Kent.
Kent Construction Focus Group
Kent Construction Focus Group
Tuesday 4th March 2025, The Village Hotel, Maidstone
Tuesday 4th March 2025, The Village Hotel, Maidstone
Tuesday 1st April 2025, Chilston Park Hotel, Maidstone
Tuesday 1st April 2025, Chilston Park Hotel, Maidstone
7:30am - 9:30am
7:30am - 9:30am
KCFG Members: £22.50 + VAT | Non-Members: £32.50 + VAT
KCFG Members: £22.50 + VAT | Non-Members: £32.50 + VAT
The KCFG group is made up of companies in the Kent area within the construction sector, including architects, contractors, suppliers, land agents, and more. KCFG provides a one-stop shop for access to local knowledge, expertise, and contacts within the land development and construction sector
The KCFG group is made up of companies in the Kent area within the construction sector, including architects, contractors, suppliers, land agents, and more. KCFG provides a one-stop shop for access to local knowledge, expertise, and contacts within the land development and construction sector.
During the morning, you will enjoy a full English breakfast, followed by a presentation from our guest speakers.
During the morning, you will enjoy a full English breakfast, followed by a presentation from our guest speakers.
Virtual Business Networking
Virtual Business Networking
Tuesday 25th February 2025 | Tuesday 25th March 2025
Tuesday 25th February 2025 | Tuesday 25th March 2025
Online via Zoom | 10:30am - 12:00pm
Online via Zoom | 10:30am - 12:00pm
Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: £30.00 + VAT
Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: £30.00 + VAT
Business Talks – Afternoon Tea and Networking
Tuesday 11th February 2025 | 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Brandshatch Place Hotel and Spa, Longfield, DA3 8NQ
Employment Law Update – Future Changes To Employment Law Under The Labour Government
Wednesday 12th February 2025 | 8:30am - 12:00pm
Mercure Maidstone Hotel, Maidstone, ME17 1RE
Business Bites – How to Scale Your Business Without Employing More People
Thursday 13th February 2025 | 1:00pm - 1:30pm Online via Zoom
Business Talks – Health and Wellness Activity Tour
Tuesday 18th February 2025 | 10:30am - 12:30pm Lake House Kent, Ashford, TN26 1AR
Chamber Connections - Sponsored by Lumina Energy
Thursday 20th February 2025 | 10:30am - 12:00pm
Hempstead House Hotel, Sittingbourne, ME9 9PP
Virtual Business Networking
Tuesday 25th February 2025 | 10:30am - 12:00pm Online via Zoom
Kent And Medway Manufacturing Focus Group (KMFG)
Wednesday 26th February 2025 | 9:15am - 12:00pm
Smurfit Westrock UK Paper Mill, Snodland, ME6 5AX
Kent and Medway Hospitality Focus Group
Wednesday 26th February 2025 | 11:00am - 12:00pm Eastwell Manor, Ashford, TN25 4HR
Business Bites
Inheritance Tax and Upcoming Changes
Thursday 27th February 2025 | 1:00pm - 1:30pm Online via Zoom
Kent Construction Focus Group (KCFG)
Every month we bring you a mix of information sessions, networking some of the top local business professionals from an array of invaluable up-to-date information tailored to our attendee’s wants help you grow your business.
Tuesday 4th March 2025 | 7:30am - 9:30am
The Village Hotel, Maidstone, ME14 3AQ
Trading in Singapore
With a mix of events held online and face to face across Kent,
Each event will be an eclectic mix of conversation topics as we interview our guest business and encourage questions from the attendees, making sure we bring you the networking event you want to be involved in.
Each event will be an eclectic mix of conversation topics as we interview our guest business and encourage questions from the attendees, making sure we bring you the networking event you want to be involved in.
Wednesday 5th March 2025 | 9:00am - 10:00am Online via Zoom
Chamber Connections
Kent Construction Focus Group
Thursday 6th March 2025 | 10:30am - 12:00pm
Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel, Pembury, TN2 4QL
Conversations with our guest speaker will be followed by three breakout room sessions where attendees can delve deeper into this discussion or discuss their own topic in more depth.
Conversations with our guest speaker will be followed by three breakout room sessions where attendees can delve deeper into this discussion or discuss their own topic in more depth.
Tuesday 6th August 2024 | Tuesday 3rd September 2024
International Women’s Day – Networking Special 2025
The Village Hotel, Maidstone | 7:30am - 9:30am
KCFG Members: £22.50 + VAT | Non-Members: £32.50 + VAT
Friday 7th March 2025 | 10:00am - 12:00pm Ashford International Hotel, Ashford, TN24 8UX
Skills 25 – Collaborate, Innovate, Succeed
Hosted by members of the KCFG committee, Cheryl Causebrook and Ella Brocklebank, we bring you KCFG
Tuesday 18th March 2025 | 9:00am - 3:30pm
Mercure Maidstone Hotel, Maidstone, ME17 1RE
Trading in Singapore
Trading in Singapore
Wednesday 5th March 2025
Wednesday 5th March 2025
Online via Zoom | 9:00am - 10:00am
Online via Zoom | 9:00am - 10:00am
Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: Free to Attend
Members: Free to Attend | Non-Members: Free to Attend
Virtual Business Networking
The KCFG group consists of companies in the Kent area involved in construction, such as architects, surveyors, contractors, construction suppliers, and land agents etc.
Tuesday 25th March 2025 | 10:30am - 12:00pm Online via Zoom
Embodied Carbon: How to Improve Measurement
Wednesday 26th March 2025 | 10:00am - 12:00pm
Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Ashford, TN24 0LH
Join us for an insightful webinar hosted by the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore, London Gatwick, London Chamber, Surrey Chamber, Sussex Chamber and the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.
Join us for an insightful webinar hosted by the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore, London Gatwick, London Chamber, Surrey Chamber, Sussex Chamber and the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.
KCFG provides a one-stop-shop for access to local knowledge, expertise, and contacts within the land development and construction sector.
Kent Construction Focus Group (KCFG)
Tuesday 1st April 2025 | 7:30am - 9:30am
Chilston Park Hotel, Maidstone, ME17 2BE
This event is ideal for UK businesses looking to expand their reach in Asia, as well as Singapore-based enterprises interested in understanding more about the dynamic trade relationship between the UK and Singapore.
This event is ideal for UK businesses looking to expand their reach in Asia, as well as Singapore-based enterprises interested in understanding more about the dynamic trade relationship between the UK and Singapore.
Chamber Connections
Thursday 3rd April 2025 | 10:30am - 12:00pm
During the morning, you will enjoy a full English breakfast, followed by a presentation from our guest speakers.
Platform 26, Chatham, ME4 4JT
