Confidence is increasing among UK employers in regard to hiring and investing following the extension to the Brexit deadline, and firms in Britain became less concerned over the economic outlook.

This is according to a survey from a recruiters’ group published on Wednesday.

The Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) stated its Jobs Outlook survey revealed a 4% rise in confidence about hiring and investment decisions, which were positive at +1.

Neil Carberry, Chief Executive of REC, said in a statement: “The strength of our jobs market is one of the biggest assets the UK has, as it keeps people in work and raises their pay. Ensuring we protect the flexibility and opportunity it offers should be at the heart of any new government’s agenda.”

The level of confidence in Britain’s economy improved, but still showed a negative reading of -26, Reuters reports.

Furthermore, hiring intentions for temporary agency staff continued to increase.

Carberry went on to say that the difference between employers’ views of their prospects and those for the economy as a whole reinforced the high stakes of the Brexit deadlock.

Carberry added: “Today’s survey shows that businesses believe in their own prospects and are ready to grow if the pall of economic uncertainty is removed. The contrast between employers’ view of their own prospects and their view of the wider economic picture remains stark, however.”

The final two contenders in the Tory leadership contest, Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt have stated they are prepared to remove Britain from the European Union without a deal if necessary when the October 31 deadline is reached.

Carberry concluded: “Resolving this will require cool heads through the summer and autumn, so that companies can rely on a smooth and stable new relationship with the EU - not the chaos of a no-deal exit.”

The survey carried out by the Recruitment & Employment Confederation between March 1 and May 28 was founded on responses from 610 employers.

 

Read the latest news updates - China, U.S. officials hold talks ahead of G20 summit