Half of employers expect their workforce to increase in 2015, according to research by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and Accenture.

The survey of 323 businesses found that 12% of firms plan to decrease staff numbers in the next 12 months.

Despite the plans to increase staff numbers, skills shortages remain a problem for many businesses.

Important findings:

• 40% of employers plan to hire permanent staff and 30% are seeking temporary staff
• 38% will increase the number of apprentices and 36% will increase graduate-level positions
• low skill levels (63%) and employment regulation (61%) are the biggest threats to competitiveness.

Katja Hall, deputy director general of the CBI, said:

“Businesses are planning to create jobs in every region of the UK next year as the recovery continues, and more and more of those jobs will be permanent.

“The outlook for young people is also looking brighter as firms look to boost their graduate in-take and expand apprenticeships.

“We want to see everyone enjoy the rewards of the economic recovery. Growth should work for everyone, and skills are the key route to ensuring that this happens through improved productivity and pay.”

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