Weak service sector productivity spells trouble for UK jobs outlook

-

Dr John Philpott, Chief Economic Adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) comments as follows on official labour productivity figures for Q4 2011 published earlier today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS):

“There is good news but also worrying news in the latest official snapshot of UK productivity. Manufacturing productivity is powering ahead which bodes well for business competitiveness and export led growth. But signs that service sector productivity is falling and putting upward pressure on unit labour costs spells trouble for jobs and pay. While businesses operating in private sector services continue to experience weak demand they will not only be reluctant to hire more staff but may need to ask existing staff to accept a further period of pay restraint to avoid job cuts. With the service sector accounting for the vast majority of UK employment, and private sector service employers the main hope for the new jobs needed to offset the ongoing public sector jobs cull, these latest growth and productivity figures increase the  risk of a weak ‘job loss recovery’ this year.”

Source: CIPD

Pamela Flores is an events professional with experience at Symposium Events, a UK-based conference and events organization. She has worked in editorial and event coordination roles within the HR and expatriate management sector, contributing to the organization of major conferences including the Expatriate Management and Global Mobility conference. Her background spans online editorial work and events management within the professional conference industry.

Latest news

England’s overnight World Cup clash and 5am pub opening prompt CIPD advice

The CIPD is urging organisations to agree any flexibility before England's 1am World Cup last-16 tie to help minimise disruption at the start of the working week.

Russell Cowley: Gen Z – rebuilding workplace culture, break by break

Gen Z workers are taking proper breaks and in doing so, they may be fixing something the rest of us broke.

Fit for Work: Weekend warrior? You can still reap the health benefits

Weekend exercise can still improve long-term health, even for people who struggle to fit physical activity into the working week.

Superdry co-founder’s victim warns workplace power can silence abuse victims

A survivor's account raises questions about speaking-up cultures and accountability in organisations.
- Advertisement -

UK’s always-on work culture ‘driving employee burnout’

Nearly half of UK workers say they end most working days mentally exhausted as rising workplace pressure leaves employees and managers struggling to switch off.

Andrew Murray on why no two days look alike

A people development leader shares how travel, training and a passion for helping others shape a working day with little room for routine.

Must read

Clare Waller: Mental health in the workplace

Clare Waller discusses why the perceived stigma attaching to mental ill health within the workplace still persists, and why it must be addressed urgently by employers.

Maite Barón: How to stop leaking Talent by overcoming corporate blindness

One of the more obvious questions candidates are asked...
- Advertisement -

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you