This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46736969
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Labour shortages and slowing sales put squeeze on UK firms | Labour shortages and slowing sales put squeeze on UK firms |
(about 7 hours later) | |
UK firms are being squeezed by labour shortages, rising prices and a slowdown in sales. | UK firms are being squeezed by labour shortages, rising prices and a slowdown in sales. |
More companies than ever before are finding it hard to recruit staff according to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). | More companies than ever before are finding it hard to recruit staff according to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). |
It warned that higher costs meant more manufacturers were expecting to raise prices. | It warned that higher costs meant more manufacturers were expecting to raise prices. |
The proportion of services firms saying sales were improving had dropped to a two year low. | The proportion of services firms saying sales were improving had dropped to a two year low. |
Four fifths of employers in manufacturing, and almost as many in the service sector, reported difficulties in finding the right workers. | Four fifths of employers in manufacturing, and almost as many in the service sector, reported difficulties in finding the right workers. |
Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the BCC, said these findings suggested the government should listen more closely to business when it came to drawing up its migration policies. | Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the BCC, said these findings suggested the government should listen more closely to business when it came to drawing up its migration policies. |
"Business concerns about the government's recent blueprint for future immigration rules must be taken seriously - and companies must be able to access skills at all levels without heavy costs or bureaucracy," he said. | "Business concerns about the government's recent blueprint for future immigration rules must be taken seriously - and companies must be able to access skills at all levels without heavy costs or bureaucracy," he said. |
'Persistent Brexit uncertainty' | 'Persistent Brexit uncertainty' |
The BCC said that the lack of clarity over the process of leaving the European Union had led to stagnating growth and business confidence in the UK. | |
Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the BCC, said the UK economy was facing "persistent Brexit uncertainty and rising cost pressures". | Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the BCC, said the UK economy was facing "persistent Brexit uncertainty and rising cost pressures". |
He added that subdued household spending levels and tightening cash flow was making it hard for businesses, particularly in the services industries to grow. | He added that subdued household spending levels and tightening cash flow was making it hard for businesses, particularly in the services industries to grow. |
However he said that upward pressure on prices from higher wage settlements remained relatively muted. | However he said that upward pressure on prices from higher wage settlements remained relatively muted. |
The BCC's survey covers 6,000 firms, employing over one million people across the UK. | The BCC's survey covers 6,000 firms, employing over one million people across the UK. |
Previous version
1
Next version