SFA survey indicates positive jobs sentiment among employers

A new report by the Small Firms Association (SFA) shows an increase in growth in both the trade and hospitality sectors.

SFA survey indicates positive jobs sentiment among employers

A new report by the Small Firms Association (SFA) shows an increase in growth in both the trade and hospitality sectors.

The latest Jobs Sentiment Survey from the SFA shows just over 30% of small firms plan to increase employee numbers in the second half of this year while 63% will retain their employment levels.

However, it also shows around 7% of businesses say they plan to reduce their staff.

"Though the recovery path for the labour market won’t entirely be smooth, this survey shows that just over 30% of small firms plan to increase employee numbers in the second half of 2014 and 63% will retain their current employment levels," said Patricia Callan, SFA director.

"While the figures are positive, 7% of firms will reduce employee numbers as business input costs and labour costs remain challenging.”

Ms. Callan said there are sectors such as traded services and hospitality that are showing strong job growth, however for other sectors job creation will be "fragile" and "every step must be taken to ensure no additional taxes are placed on labour to ensure job retention and growth"..

While some firms will retain a recruitment freeze, 27% of respondents indicated an increase in the recruitment of permanent staff during the final 6 months of 2014 and nearly 29% will recruit temporary staff," she said.

“While firms may be reluctant to recruit based on a number of issues mainly business and financial uncertainty; these figures are a positive move in the right direction."

The survey shows the level of lay offs and reduction in employee hours has slowed, which may be a reflection of increased sentiment within the small business community and some positive exchequer figures on the economy.

“Tackling unemployment remains a challenge, and this needs to be reflected in the measures to support SMEs and job creation in Budget 2015," Callan said.

"The Government should reduce the lower rate of Employer PRSI from 8.5% to 4.25%, reduce the marginal rate of tax, extend the entry point to the marginal rate and drop the pension levy in Budget 2015.

"There must be no additional taxes introduced on labour.”

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