Business Barometer survey from Lloyds Bank in the UK.
- Businesses also remained optimistic about job creation, with 16% of firms planning to hire more staff in the next 12 months – up two points on November.
- manufacturing sector reversed a six-month trend of falling confidence, with a nine-point rise to 13%.
- construction and services also increased by nine points to 29% and 18% respectively
- retail confidence fell slightly, by two points to 13%
Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, added:
- “Wage growth is expected to remain high for now as retaining existing staff and attracting new talent will continue to be priorities for many businesses going into next year.”
Bank of England Governor Bailey will be eyeing any and all job and wages data in his fight against inflation.
