Surge in Business Confidence in the UK Reaches Nine-Year Peak

June 30, 2025 - 02:04

LONDON - Confidence among British employers has soared to a nine-year high this month, reflecting a more optimistic outlook for the economy, according to a recent survey. The Business Barometer indicated a one-point increase, bringing the confidence level to 51%, the highest recorded since November 2015. This rise follows an impressive 11-point surge in May, which came after a significant drop in April linked to the announcement of increased import tariffs by the U.S. government, many of which have since been put on hold.

Hann-Ju Ho, a senior economist, noted that the increase in hiring intentions is particularly noteworthy, with 60% of surveyed firms expressing expectations for higher staffing levels in the upcoming year. This trend suggests that employers are gearing up for anticipated growth, signaling a potentially robust economic environment ahead. The overall sentiment among businesses points to a positive shift, as they navigate through the complexities of the current economic landscape.