SMES To Provide Transport Jobs Boost
The transport jobs market is in line for a welcome boost after it emerged that more than four out of 10 Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the sector intend to recruit new staff in 2014.
According to research by Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks, 43% of SMEs intend to recruit new employees. The research found that on average, transport SMEs expect to grow staff numbers by 3.2%. If this figure is applied to the sector’s SME workforce of 1.3 million* this means that 41,000 new jobs could be created across the industry.
The recruitment intentions highlighted by the research were supported by significant investment plans. More than a quarter – 27% – of transport SMEs questioned said they would spend additional money over and above existing budgets on new staff in the coming year.
The survey suggested that transport SMEs also plan substantial investment in staff development with 39% of those who maintain a separate budget for training saying they expect the amount that they set aside to grow.
As well as transport, other sectors are set to benefit from the anticipated jobs boom, with more than half of construction firms (59%) and manufacturing SMEs (53%) citing plans to create jobs. Recruitment intention was also significant within the food and drink sector with 43% of firms saying they are likely to hire new staff.
Overall, the research indicates that the transport sector is growing increasingly optimistic about the UK’s prospects with 84% of transport SMEs saying that they expect the economy will grow over the next year. More than half (53%) of transport firms expect their turnover to increase.
Matt Smith, National Head of Transport Sector with Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks, said:
“Transport SMEs are now planning for growth and their desire to increase recruitment and invest in their staff is a clear sign that business confidence is building. The creation of new jobs will help boost productivity and competitiveness as well as strengthening the improving economic recovery.
“As confidence continues to grow, we remain focused on supporting transport SMEs and investing in their growth ambitions.”
