FSB optimistic over continued fall in unemployment
FSB optimistic over continued fall in unemployment
Commenting on the news that unemployment has fallen by 43,000 between February and April 2015 compared to the three months to January, John Allan, National Chairman for the Federation of Small Businesses, said:
“Today’s labour market statistics provide cause for optimism for the UK economy through 2015. Unemployment is continuing to fall and the number of people in work has surpassed 31 million - evidence of the strong job creation intentions we've seen amongst our members for some time.
“It is also encouraging to see the recovery in real wages finally taking hold. Pay has increased by 2.7% compared to last year, far surpassing inflation. This confirms our own survey data, which also points to businesses expecting to raise wages through the year. In addition, our data suggests those raises have been justified by increasing productivity levels among our members.”
Top ten issues small businesses want new Government to focus on in next five years:
1. Reduce regulatory burden (53%)
2. Introduce a more simplified tax system (51%)
3. Reform business rates (44%)
4. Improve the employability skills of young people (41%)
5. Deliver improved broadband / mobile connectivity (39%)
6. Help UK small businesses to create more jobs (34%)
7. Tackle late payments (33%)
8. Lower energy costs for businesses (30%)
9. Ensure better access to finance (28%)
10. Increase investment in infrastructure (26%)
Notes to Editors
1) The FSB is the UK's leading business organisation with around 200,000 members. It exists to protect and promote the interests of the UK’s Real-Life Entrepreneurs who run their own business. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk and follow on twitter @fsb_policy
Media contacts:
Emma Smailes
07917 628918
Emma.Smailes@fsb.org.uk