Cookies on the Attwoods website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Attwoods website.

Open

Latest news

Explore insightful perspectives and expert advice on finance

Home |Latest news |Employment reforms continue to stifle businesses' hiring intentions

Latest news

Browse by category
Business News

Employment reforms continue to stifle businesses' hiring intentions

March 31 2025

The government's employment reforms are causing employers to put their hiring plans on hold, according to the Institute of Directors (IoD).

The IoD noted that there was a small increase in payrolled employees in the latest Labour market data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Estimates for payrolled employees in the UK increased by 9,000 between December 2024 and January 2025, said the ONS.

However, the ONS data also showed static job vacancies and increase in the unemployment rate.

Alex Hall-Chen, Principal Policy Adviser for Employment at the IoD, said: 'Our data shows that half of business leaders facing higher National Insurance bills plan to reduce employment in response, and that business hiring intentions over the next year remain around lows last seen at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

'The government missed an opportunity at Report Stage of the Employment Rights Bill to show that it has listened to business feedback about how to avoid the reforms damaging employment prospects.

'The government's Better Regulation Action Plan is a welcome shift in narrative, but such commitments will ring hollow if the principles are not first applied to its plans to increase the regulation and cost associated with employing staff.'

Here to help

Please complete the form below and our expert team will be in touch.

  • Contact details

    • *
    • *

  • What services are you interested in?

    • *

  • Message

    • *

  • Which location would you like to contact?

  • Communication

    • *Indicates a required fields.†At least one form of contact is required.

      By submitting this form, you agree that Attwoods can process your information in order to respond to your enquiry. For more information visit our Privacy Policy.

Bromsgrove
Bromsgrove

Attwoods is proudly based in the historic market town of Bromsgrove, Worcestershire

  • 182 Worcester Road
  • Bromsgrove
  • Worcestershire
  • B61 7AZ
Call us01527 874170
Learn more about BromsgroveGet in touch
Evesham
Evesham

Attwoods is proudly based in the picturesque town of Evesham, Worcestershire; nestled in the heart of the Vale of Evesham

  • 90-92 High Street
  • Evesham
  • Worcestershire
  • WR11 4EU
Call us01386 424388
Learn more about EveshamGet in touch
Pershore
Pershore

Attwoods is proudly based in the Georgian market town of Pershore, Worcestershire.

  • Perrott House
  • 17 Bridge Street
  • Pershore
  • Worcestershire
  • WR10 1AJ
Call us01386 554870
Learn more about PershoreGet in touch
  • Xero Logo
  • Gold Partner Logo
  • Sage
  • QuickBooks Platinum

The practices of Attwoods are carried on by Attwoods Accountants Limited, Attwoods Business Services Limited, Attwoods (Bromsgrove) Limited. Regulated for a range of investment business activities by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.