LONDON (MNI) – Private sector employers are now more likely to
increase hiring, expecting modest growth in the year ahead, according to
the latest Bank of England Agents’ Report.
The report says “private sector employment intentions were a little
stronger”, investment intentions had picked up and credit conditions had
continued to improve for larger firms.
While the agents’ report found some evidence of economic rebound,
there were still soft spots, particularly in housing and construction.
The agents’ November report, issued alongside the minutes of the
MPC’s November meeting, said housing market activity continued to
weaken, services turnover growth eased, construction output was flat on
the year and there signs homebuilding activity was softening.
On the inflation side, the agents said pay settlements had
continued to rise modestly, output price inflation was stable and retail
goods price inflation was little changed.
–London newsroom: 4420 7862 7491 e-mail: drobinson@marketnews.com
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