The number of employers expecting to increase their headcount in the next three months has fallen to the lowest in the past decade, outside the pandemic.
According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the net difference between the number of employers expecting an increase in staff and those expecting a decrease in the next three months fell to eight.
The numbers fell to their lowest level outside the pandemic since the CIPD began recording the measure in 2014.
Large private-sector employers and retail businesses figures fell sharply with public-sector employers also struggling.
32% of private-sector employers surveyed by the CIPD said they expected to see their staffing levels increase in the next three months. Overall, 24% of employers said they planned redundancies over the next three months.
FTSE 100
The UK's flagship share index, the FTSE 100, was down 28 points at 8,596 shortly after opening this morning.
Brent crude oil futures were up 1.46% at $64.84 a barrel.
Companies reporting today
Diversified Energy Company - Q1 Trading Statement
Victrex - Half Year Results