Jobs market continues to perform, but challenges lie ahead, says FSB

8 years ago

Jobs market continues to perform, but challenges lie ahead, says FSB

Commenting on the latest UK jobs numbers which show that 140,000 more people were in work and 79,000 fewer people unemployed in the period June to August 2015 compared to the period March to May, John Allan, FSB National Chairman, said:

“Today’s figures show a jobs market that continues to perform well, with welcome growth in the number of full time employees and further falls in unemployment this quarter.

“While hiring growth appears to have picked up again following a slowdown in the first half of this year, members are aware of the challenges around the corner. Recent FSB research has found that although small businesses continue to increase headcounts, their confidence is not as strong as in previous quarters.

“This may partly be down to a range of upcoming policy changes: the higher than expected minimum wage increases; auto-enrolment deadlines; and changes to how dividends are taxed. These three key changes will create challenges particularly for business owners on modest incomes.”

Media Contact:

Emma Smailes

Emma.Smailes@fsb.org.uk

07917 628 918

About Federation of Small Businesses

The Federation of Small Businesses is the UK's largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms. Formed in 1974, it now has around 200,000 members across 33 regions and 188 branches.