CEOs optimistic for 2010

28 Jan 2010

CEOs are optimistic about this year, with many looking to take on staff

A survey of CEOs from the UK shows an optimistic outlook for the growth of the economy and employment prospects for people with the right qualifications.

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) found that 63 per cent believed the economy will recover this year, with 42 per cent saying that they plan to increase the size of their workforce.

Ian Powell, UK chairman and senior partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, said: "It is encouraging to see that UK CEOs are beginning, if somewhat cautiously, to prepare for an upturn.

"The upturn in employment prospects will be widely welcomed but this news must be tempered given that the bounce-back may be a response to employment cuts made in the UK over the last 12 months."

Among the worries of CEOs was a protracted global recession, over-regulation from governments, exchange-rate volatility and a lack of trust among consumers.

Recent numbers from the Recruitment and Employment Federation found that 94 per cent of employers do not plan to reduce their staff numbers this year.

Posted by Samantha Carey