A joint survey of businesses in London asking them for their views on prospects for the next 6 months provides some interesting insights. Below are some of the findings :-

No surprise that only 13% feel more optimistic about prospects for the UK economy. This is a steep fall from the figure of over 40% from June.

• Overall optimism is down from just over 50% top just over 30%.
• 55% stated that their most pressing concern is that there will be a double-dip recession.
• The proportion of businesses which will only recruit employees when it is absolutely essential has risen to almost 60%
• Over 20% of the businesses surveyed have a recruitment freeze.
• Employment law together with compliance with the Bribery Act are the most problematic regulatory areas according to the businesses surveyed.