BCC reacts to latest Labour Market Figures

Commenting on ONS Labour Market statistics for May 2021 published today, BCC Head of Economics, Suren Thiru, said:  “The decline in the unemployment rate and the rise in payroll employment is further confirmation that the UK jobs market is now more resilient to the ongoing restrictions.  “Continued government support and the easing of restrictions as the UK moved to step two of the government’s roadmap helped drive higher payroll employment in April.   “The rise…

BCC reacts to latest GDP figures 

Commenting on GDP figures for Q1 2021, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:   “While the UK economy contracted in the first quarter, the downbeat headline figure masks a renewed momentum through the quarter from January’s drop in output to an exceptionally strong March outturn as lockdown measures started to…

BCC & Barclays LifeSkills release report revealing businesses’ thoughts on futureproofing for a post-pandemic world

The joint report:  Finds that new ways of working introduced during the pandemic offer opportunities for both employers and staff  Highlights how supporting employees’ mental wellbeing and digital skills will become increasingly important  Shows that equipping school-leavers with key people skills to deal with new working arrangements will be vital  The British Chambers of Commerce and Barclays LifeSkills have today…

Four in Ten UK Exporters Reporting Decreased Sales in Q1 2021

Balance of UK firms reporting increased export sales drops, despite already being at historically low levels. Hospitality firms, caterers, retailers and wholesalers all most likely to report decreased sales. Advance bookings and export orders show no signs of improvement, indicating that recovery is distant The British Chambers of Commerce’s Trade Confidence Outlook for Q1, released today, has revealed the stark issues facing UK exporters in the first months of this year. The survey of more…

STATEMENT: HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE PHILIP THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH

At the British Chamber of Commerce in Slovakia, we are deeply saddened by the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh earlier today. Our thoughts and condolences are with Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family. His Royal Highness, as the longest-serving consort of a reigning British monarch, devoted his…

BCC says critical questions remain for businesses wanting to reopen

The BCC is urging the government to give businesses much greater clarity on its roadmap out of lockdown as firms continue to suffer.  The business organisation, which represents tens of thousands of companies of all shapes and sizes across the UK, has written to the government seeking updates on a number of vital issues.  In particular, it says firms need to know how the government is assessing…

BCC reacts to latest GDP and trade figures  

Commenting on GDP figures for January 2021 published today by the ONS, BCC Head of Economics, Suren Thiru, said:   “The latest data confirms a better than expected start to the year for the UK economy as the third lockdown and post-Brexit border disruption combined to trigger only a relatively modest decline in economic activity in January.    “The vaccine rollout and budget stimulus will boost output as restrictions…