UK firms’ hiring intentions remain at record low amid rising employment costs

A report from KPMG and the Recruitment and Employment Confederation showed that recruitment across the UK fell sharply in July. Photograph: Andy Rain/EPA

Hiring intentions among Britain’s businesses remain at a record low as they grapple with rising employment costs and worry about the economic outlook, with young people hit hardest by the drop in recruitment.

Three separate surveys issued on Monday painted a gloomy picture on hiring activity, pay and business confidence, with claims that bosses were “stuck in limbo” and waiting for greater clarity in the autumn budget.