#labour-market

#labour-market

The Fed, which emphasises its independence from political influence, will weigh new economic data as it considers its next move. The benchmark interest rate has remained at 4.25 percent 4.50 percent since December. So far, the Fed has held rates steady, saying the stance preserves flexibility to respond to economic shocks tied to shifting trade policy. But many economists now believe a rate cut is imminent.

When asked about their plans for the rest of 2025, just under half (48%) of SMEs leaders revealed they are looking to upskill their current team, by far the most popular answer. This compares to 29% who plan on expanding their leadership team and a quarter (25%) who plan to hire new staff. This strategic focus on developing internal talent reflects wider concerns about recruitment challenges.

The US dollar steadied on Thursday, as traders weighed signals of a softer labour market and awaited further releases. Job openings fell to a low in July, undershooting expectations, while factory orders dropped for a second consecutive month. These indicators reinforced the view that the economy is cooling, even as attention now shifts to today's ISM Services index, expected at 51, and to Friday's payrolls.

"There is now considerably more doubt about when and exactly how quickly we can make those further steps."

BDO's Optimism Index rose to 91.96 in July, up from 91.58 in June, driven by a strong rebound in manufacturing optimism, which rose sharply from 93.74 to 96.50.

The UK unemployment rate rose to 4.7% in May, a four-year high, surprising economists and reinforcing concerns over a slowing economy.

Applying from abroad is unlikely to work; your chances of finding a good job rise exponentially if you're actually in the country.

Employers will be required to provide evidence of investing in UK skills to recruit foreign workers, a policy long-promised by Labour targeting sectors like IT.

The UK-India trade deal has prompted criticism from opposition parties, who believe it could disadvantage British businesses by making Indian workers cheaper to hire.

The government must show greater ambition and urgency in addressing the employment prospects of older workers if it hopes to meet its goal of an 80% employment rate.