Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Navigating Economic Headwinds
Career

Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Navigating Economic Headwinds

  Wages Rise, but Real Gains Slow: What Does This Mean for Your Workforce? The UK’s economic landscape in 2024 has been marked by significant inflationary pressures. While wages have seen a 4.8% increase, inflation-adjusted growth has slowed to 1.9%. This means that despite nominal wage gains, the rising cost of living has eroded the […]

December 12th, 2024
*

Abby.

Founder

A search expert making key hires for over twenty years.

 

Wages Rise, but Real Gains Slow: What Does This Mean for Your Workforce?

The UK’s economic landscape in 2024 has been marked by significant inflationary pressures. While wages have seen a 4.8% increase, inflation-adjusted growth has slowed to 1.9%. This means that despite nominal wage gains, the rising cost of living has eroded the purchasing power of many individuals. As a result, businesses are facing increased pressure to manage costs and retain top talent.

The Impact of Inflation on Businesses

The persistent inflationary environment has far-reaching implications for businesses. Rising costs for energy, raw materials, and labour can erode profit margins and reduce consumer spending. To mitigate these challenges, many organisations are exploring innovative strategies to optimise their workforce and maintain operational efficiency.

The Role of Temporary Staffing in Uncertain Times

One effective approach to navigate these economic headwinds is to leverage the power of temporary staffing. By incorporating temporary workers into your workforce, you can:

  • Enhance Flexibility: Quickly adapt to fluctuations in workload, seasonal demands, and project-based needs.
  • Optimise Staffing Costs: Efficiently allocate resources and avoid the fixed costs associated with permanent hires.
  • Access Specialised Skills: Tap into a pool of skilled temporary workers to address specific project requirements.
  • Mitigate Risk: Reduce the risk of overstaffing and trial staff before offering permanent jobs

Preparing for 2025: A Cautious Outlook

As we look ahead to 2025, it’s important to acknowledge the potential challenges that may arise. The increase in employer National Insurance contributions could lead to further redundancies as businesses seek to reduce costs. By strategically utilising temporary staffing, organisations can maintain operational continuity while mitigating the impact of these economic pressures.

Yellow Bricks Recruitment understands the challenges businesses are facing in today’s economic environment. By offering flexible staffing solutions, we can help you navigate these challenges and achieve your business goals.

Book a call with us to get strategic support on your 2025 talent strategy

#UKJobs #WageGrowth #Inflation #EmployeeWellbeing #HR

To find out more about how to focus on your brand, get in touch today.
Want to hear about our other articles?
Looking to hire your next superstar?
Keen to explore our latest vacancies?
Yellow Bricks is a female-owned and led executive search firm hiring predominately for software companies with diversity and inclusion at the heart of our offering. To learn more, click here.
Related posts
Proposed UK Employment Law Changes and How Employers Can Prepare

Proposed UK Employment Law Changes and How Employers Can Prepare

Following their election in July of this year, the new UK government has pledged to deliver “the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation”.   A key part of this commitment is the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill, which is expected to be introduced by the end of October 2024. While these changes are not […]
4 Eating Habits of Highly Successful People

4 Eating Habits of Highly Successful People

What do the world’s most successful people eat on a day to day basis?   Food is fuel, and these leaders make a point of choosing what they eat wisely.   Here are the eating habits of some highly successful people:   Being Predictable 💡 Many leaders are famous for being highly predictable in when […]
Budget 2024 + Employment Law Reforms: The Headlines

Budget 2024 + Employment Law Reforms: The Headlines

The recent budget announcement and employment law reforms sent shockwaves through the business community and dominated headlines. With impending rising costs, increased regulatory burdens, and a changing talent landscape, it’s more important than ever to have a robust HR strategy. As a people business, we understand the challenges you’re facing as you discover this new […]
Work is changing. Don’t get left behind.

Work is changing. Don’t get left behind.

The world is changing, and so is the workplace 🌍 👔  From witnessing The Great Resignation, it is clear that now, more than ever, employees are seeking more from their jobs and the world of work is changing. Employers may be quick to assume a pay rise is the antidote.  However, in 2022, money is […]
How getting stage time could boost your career

How getting stage time could boost your career

Do you have insights, experiences, or ideas to share?   Make this the year they are heard! You deserve it, and here’s the big bonus – getting stage time can seriously boost your career.   Now, if the idea of standing up and speaking in front of a group makes you anxious, just remember that […]
How to Get Your CV Right

How to Get Your CV Right

Finding a new job requires a large amount of time and dedication, we spend a lot of our time at work so securing a job carrying out important tasks that you enjoy alongside people that you like collaborating with at a salary that fits with your lifestyle is important. Then we must consider the commute, the hours, the benefits, the industry and prospects, the list goes on.
When and Why You Should Hire an Interim Contractor

When and Why You Should Hire an Interim Contractor

We have all experienced the effects of a hiring freeze.   Good people are leaving, workload is mounting, and those left behind are feeling overwhelmed.   As a manager, how can you complete the tasks expected from you while maintaining the happiness of your team?   While a hiring freeze puts a stop to engaging […]
Cracking the C-Suite Code: Insider Strategies for Professionals

Cracking the C-Suite Code: Insider Strategies for Professionals

Reaching the C-suite is a significant career goal for many experienced professionals. While ambition is key, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities involved can make a substantial difference in your journey.   The #1 Secret to C-Suite Success Unlike roles at lower levels, top executive positions are often filled discreetly. This means that many C-suite […]
Why leaders are being told to evolve or face extinction.

Why leaders are being told to evolve or face extinction.

Global CEOs believe their organisation won’t be economically viable in 10 years’ time if they stay on their current path.   This is not just a warning but an urgent call to action. In PwC’s recent Global CEO survey, 4,410 chief executives all agree: you must “evolve or die”.   The turbulence of recent years, […]
Leading Alongside AI: 4 Essential Skills Leaders Need

Leading Alongside AI: 4 Essential Skills Leaders Need

As we enter a new era of innovation and technological advancement. AI is becoming an increasingly important part of the business landscape – including in leadership. A 2022 survey saw 92% of large companies say that they have already announced plans to invest more into AI.   AI is here to stay, and it is […]

Join 2,500+ forward-thinking leaders.

People. Culture. Growth.
Unlock your leadership potential with our biweekly newsletter. No spam, only gold.