Chief executives expect to ramp up hiring in 2019
A majority of UK chief executives expect to boost headcount in 2019, a new survey has shown.
Sixty one per cent of UK business leaders expect to increase headcount in 2019, up from 54 per cent last year and greater than the worldwide average of 53 per cent.
UK chief executives are also optimistic about growth over the next 12 months with 82 per cent confident about their revenue prospects, a slight fall on last year when 88 per cent said they expected to see revenue growth.
The global survey of business leaders, published by audit firm PwC, also showed a slight dip in UK confidence over the next three years with the percentage of those expecting growth over that period falling six per cent from 96 per cent in 2018 to 90 per cent in 2019.
UK chief executives are more pessimistic about global economic growth with the percentage expecting a decline over the next 12 months almost tripling, rising from 12 per cent in 2018 to 34 per cent in 2019.
The UK remained the fourth-most popular destination worldwide for investment, behind the US, China and Germany, however, the percentage of chief executives saying they are not sure of the best country to invest in has risen sharply.
Kevin Ellis, chairman of PwC, said: “For the UK, CEOs growing uncertainty about where to expand presents an opportunity to attract new investment following Brexit. It’s time to talk up the UK’s credentials, not only as a competitive place for business, but as a fair and trusted one.
“We’re at a pivotal moment in economic and political history. Now more than ever, CEOs have the chance to reset the narrative on the role of business in society and build trust.”