Business survey shows mixed picture for the labour market in the Sheffield City Region

The labour market in the Sheffield City Region performed well in the first three months of the year, according to the results of the Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) for the first quarter of 2016, which were published today. More businesses in the manufacturing and service sectors increased their workforce than reduced it and will continue to increase their workforce over the next three months, with most firms on the lookout for  full-time, permanent positions.

The survey, run by the region’s Local Enterprise Partnership and four Chambers of Commerce, and Sheffield University Business School, showed that both sectors had experienced difficulty in recruiting over the past three months, although the situation had improved over the past year. Manufacturing businesses continued to experience difficulties in recruiting skilled and technical staff, but on balance fewer expected to invest in training in comparison to last year. Nearly 50% of businesses in both sectors had no plans to recruit apprentices in the year ahead, with the majority claiming not to need one.

With the introduction of the National Living Wage, the majority of businesses in both sectors awarded pay rises equal to or above inflation, although a significant number did not.

“It is positive news that the region’s businesses continue to grow and invest in their workforces with additional jobs and training opportunities being planned. The results also reflect the national picture of the manufacturing sector, which appears to be less buoyant than it was 12 months ago. With this in mind the Quarterly Survey is an important opportunity for businesses to share their concerns with the LEP and for Chambers to offer the right services, lobby local and national Government and enable key decision-makers to help shape business policy and support across the region” said Andrew Denniff, Chief Executive of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber.

The SCR Quarterly Economic Survey sponsored by RBS South Yorkshire & North Derbyshire is an important opportunity for businesses in the region to share their business concerns for the LEP and Chambers to offer the right business services and lobby local and national government and decision-makers to help shape business policy and support.

Each quarter, businesses are invited to complete the online survey for a chance to win free flights from Doncaster Sheffield Airport to a European destination and attend a breakfast networking event to hear the results and stay abreast of the latest regional business and economic affairs. Fieldwork for the Quarterly Economic Survey for quarter two opens on Monday 23 March 2016 at www.screconomy.org.uk.

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Download the QES Quarter one results