Greater increase than last year predicted for jobs in 2008

<p>More than a third of British companies are expected to increase their workforce over the coming year the highest level recorded in 14 years.</p><p>This is according to the 17th annual UPS Europe Business Monitor. The figure is up 2% on last years 36%. Further results show that nearly half of UK companies expect to keep their workforce at the same level as it is now. </p><p>Companies are optimistic about their economic prospects too, with 55% of UK business leaders predicting a better financial position for their company in 12 months time. </p><p>This is in sharp contrast to the CIPDs recent warning that 2008 will be the worst year for jobs in a decade. Last month it forecasted a net rise of total UK employment of 75,000 (0.25%), in the year to December 2008. This is just a third of the rise recorded in both 2006 and 2007. </p><p>While CIPDs John Philpott says many HR professionals will be dusting off redundancy manuals in the coming months, UPS UK & Irelands managing director, Jim Barber, feels it is very encouraging to see businesses in the UK feeling optimistic, especially in terms of the employment outlook. </p>