British Businesses Turning to Temporary Staff to Cope With Volatility

British employers are relying more heavily on temporary workers, a closely watched survey shows, as they adapt to economic turbulence from the war in the Middle East.

Hiring for permanent roles fell at the fastest pace for three months in April, extending a downturn that began in 2022, according to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation. Employers cited rising cost pressures and weak sentiment, worsened by the US war in Iran. Pay growth remained muted, while layoffs and delayed hiring decisions pushed up the number of job-seekers.