“Today’s labour market statistics confirm the cooling trend on pay and vacancies suggested by the business surveys. This shows that the Bank of England is right to go for a period of rate cuts as pay pressures have eased and growth needs to be the focus.
“Going for growth also means boosting business investment. Many businesses will be feeling bruised by the large increases to their employment costs in the Budget and Employment Rights Bill. Getting growth going is what makes changes more affordable, that’s why firms will be looking for real change on industrial strategy, public service reform and skills.
“The stable picture on temporary workers emphasises again how important flexible working is for workers and companies alike when things are uncertain. From keeping the NHS on its feet to helping people find their first steps in work, government needs to embrace the many ways in which people work today if it is to be successful. Backing temporary workers matters to our economy – but most of all to the temps themselves.”
