UK employers 'pause' job hiring as demand falls to seven-year low

ManpowerGroup says Brexit and global trade woes have dented business confidence

Employers in Britain have "hit the pause button" on job hiring, according to a survey of the labour market that shows demand for new workers has tumbled to a seven-year low.

ManpowerGroup said years of strong jobs growth had ended in 2019 as Brexit uncertainty and a slowdown in global trade took their toll on business confidence.

Related: Brexit uncertainty prompts more UK firms to prepare for job cuts