UK firms' hiring intentions 'sky high' but concerns persist over productivity

Business Trends report maintains strong growth reading, suggesting job creation will continue to rise; signs too of building industry revival

Employers' hiring intentions are at a "sky high" level and stronger than in the pre-recession boom, but concerns remain about the UK's failure to grow productivity, according to a new report.

The latest Business Trends report by accountants and business advisers BDO gave an employment index reading of 113.0 for March. This was little changed from February's reading of 113.1, remaining well above the 100 level that indicates growth above the long-term trend.