'Its The Economy Stupid!' - Kate Walker - Manager Charterhouse Hull

Charterhouse has recently produced a quarterly update on job market. The state of the UK economy is all over the news, of course, but perhaps more important to all of us is what’s happening in this region.

And it’s not all doom and gloom!

• The latest figures from Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey show that 15% of companies have experienced increased domestic sales in Q4 2008, with 11% of companies reporting an increase in export orders, no doubt boosted by the weak price of Sterling. Similarly, Leeds Chamber Members reported a rise in service sector overseas sales of 4%.

• Despite the media frenzy and headlines, 44% of companies in our region reported that their workforce will increase or stay the same over the next 3 months.

• 22% of companies expect their turnover to improve with 13% expecting profitability to rise over the same period.

The cities of Leeds, York and Hull have robust and diverse economies. There is no doubt that some sectors will feel the crunch more than others, but as a region we don’t suffer from the same highs and lows of financial ‘super-centres’ in the South and South-East.

Charterhouse is seeing the trickle down effect of the current climate, but companies are still recruiting! More buoyant sectors include Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare, Public Services and Energy/Utilities and we are lucky to have major players in all 3 sectors in this region.

Within the Finance Division, Cash control and cost control are more important than ever to our clients, which means the best candidates who can demonstrate expertise in these areas are in demand now more than ever.

For both Finance and Office support roles, Interim and temporary vacancies are taking up the slack where companies can’t offer permanent roles. It is becoming an ‘Employer’s market’ more so than in recent times, but candidates who demonstrate strong skills and are flexible on location can still find the best roles.

For more information on this report and the opportunities open to you as an employer or candidate, contact Charterhouse on 0113 242 55 99, York 01904 629009 or Hull on 01482 333 555.

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