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Hiring intentions at lowest level in nearly 15 years

British businesses are the most pessimistic about hiring they have been in nearly 15 years, according to consultancy firm BDO. UK bosses are facing difficult hiring decisions as the cost of employment ramps up, with the BDO’s employment index at its weakest reading since March 2011. The index, which reflects hiring intentions, held at 93.30 [...]

Mar 08, 2026 &03000808202631; 22:00 UTC www.cityam.com Trending 2/5

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Negative for markets

Sentiment score: -75/100

High impact Short-term (days)

WHAT THIS MEANS

UK businesses show the weakest hiring intentions in nearly 15 years, with BDO's employment index at 93.30, reflecting severe pessimism due to rising employment costs. This signals potential economic slowdown and reduced consumer spending capacity in the near term.

AI CONFIDENCE

85% Very high

SENTIMENT GAUGE

NEWS POWER SCORE

AFFECTED ASSETS

↓

British Pound / US Dollar

GBPUSDCurrency

Expected to decline

Weak UK employment outlook pressures sterling as economic growth concerns mount

↓

FTSE 100 (London)

^FTSEIndex

Expected to decline

UK equity market faces headwinds from reduced hiring and consumer spending expectations

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IT→.MI

IT→.MIStock

High volatility expected

European equities may face spillover weakness from UK economic deterioration

↓

Euro Stoxx 50

^STOXX50EIndex

Expected to decline

Eurozone sentiment weakens on UK economic slowdown signals affecting regional trade

PRICE HISTORY

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⚡ SUGGESTED ACTION

Consider reducing exposure to UK-sensitive equities and consumer stocks; GBP weakness presents shorting opportunities. Monitor for potential Bank of England policy shifts in response to labor market deterioration.

KEY SIGNALS

Employment index at 15-year lowRising employment costs constraining hiringReduced consumer spending outlookEconomic slowdown riskPotential wage-price spiral concerns

SECTORS INVOLVED

Consumer DiscretionaryIndustrialsFinancialsRetail

Analysis generated on Mar 09, 2026 at 15:40 UTC

Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by artificial intelligence for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendation, or solicitation. Original reporting by City AM. Always conduct your own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Hiring intentions at lowest level in nearly 15 years

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