The CBI/Accenture Employment Trends Survey found that over half expect their workfoce to grow in number over the next year. Job prospects for young people also have improved with many of these firms planning to recruit graduates and apprentices.

“Firms are gearing up for a positive 2015 with over half planning to create jobs, most of which will be permanent. Young people should find more chances to get a foot on the career ladder this year, with many firms looking to boost their intake of graduates and apprentices,” says Neil Carberry, CBI director of employment and skills policy.

“We want to see everyone enjoy the rewards of the recovery and every region has a big role in driving the UK economy forward. Growth should work for everyone, and skills are the key route to ensuring that this happens through improved productivity and pay.”

Forty-three per cent of firms are planning a pay rise in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI). There has been a small increase in the proportion of companies expecting to pay above RPI when compared with last year’s survey – 12 per cent in 2014 compared to 7 per cent in 2013.

Read more about UK employment trends:

• Pre-recession employment levels won’t be reached until 2023, says TUC
• Employment expectations in the run up to the election
• Regulation “not the answer” to fixing labour market

Low level of skills (63 per cent), closely followed by the burden of employment regulation (61 per cent) are seen as the greatest workforce threats to UK competitiveness – respondents believe this will still be the case in five years’ time (54 per cent).

“It’s important that growth works for everyone, which means regions throughout the UK benefitting from the economic recovery and employers opening up different and more inclusive routes into their workforces,” adds Olly Benzecry, managing director for Accenture in the UK and Ireland.

“It’s very encouraging to hear that businesses are planning to build their workforces in the future by taking on more young people, including apprentices. It is also good to note that, within this mix, companies are recognising that they can enhance their competitiveness by harnessing the digital capabilities of these young people.”

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