Half of HR execs that took part in recent research expect their organisations to make redundancies over the next three months, while the same figure expect to recruit people into new jobs.

Over 200 senior HR staff were questioned by jobs website Myworksearch about their expectations for the next quarter.

The figure was higher among public sector respondents, with 60% saying job losses were definite or likely.

60% of all respondents said motivating remaining staff was their biggest concern over managing redundancy.

Richard Alberg, Myworksearch’s CEO said: "With the outlook so mixed, it’s clear that jobseekers still face real challenges securing employment and need all the help they can get."