Pressure on UK labour market; demand weakens, staff costs up: S&P GMI
S&P Global purchasing managers' index (PMI) data showed UK employment falling for a seventh straight month in April this year, signalling a sustained deterioration in the country's labour market conditions.
The country's performance on the jobs front at the start of the second quarter (Q2) this year was the weakest among all the major economies covered by the PMI data, led by a steep reduction in manufacturing workforce numbers, according to a commentary by S&P Global Market Intelligence (S&P GMI).
S&P Global PMI data showed UK employment falling for a seventh straight month in April, signalling a sustained deterioration in the country's labour market conditions. The country's performance on the jobs front at the start of Q2 2025 was the weakest among all the major economies covered by the data. Tariff-related concerns and uncertainty have weighed heavily on UK business confidence.
Rising labour costs in recent months have been exacerbated by tariff-related concerns and uncertainty, which have weighed heavily on business confidence, paving the way for further job losses in the coming months unless growth expectations improve materially from the current depressed level, it noted.
Following growth across the UK economy in Q1 2025, PMI data for April showed a marked loss of momentum and renewed risks of an economic downturn.
The PMI data have also shown a period of persistent weakness in underlying demand conditions facing UK firms, with inflows of new business having fallen in each month since December last year amid reports of fragile consumer confidence, tighter budgets, increased scrutiny around spending and heightened geopolitical uncertainty.
April's decrease in new business was in fact the steepest recorded since the sharp drop in demand associated with the fallout from the Liz Truss 'mini budget' in late 2022. This backdrop of weakened demand has contributed to companies adopting a more cautious approach to hiring, the commentary observed.
Besides weak demand, another key factor driving a cutback in recruitment has been last October's Autumn Budget. Changes to employers' National Insurance contributions—a form of tax—and a higher minimum wage have led many businesses to reassess their workforce needs, according to anecdotal evidence collected in the PMI surveys.
This ongoing cutback in payroll numbers is a clear shift from the strong employment growth seen in the early post-pandemic months. In fact, the reduction in workforce numbers observed in February this year was the most pronounced since November 2020.
While salary cost pressures have significantly diminished since their peak in 2022, they continue to run above the long-run average and have even reaccelerated, with data from October 2024 onward indicating monthly increases in these pressures.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
Wall Street Investors Wait And Watch As US, China Hold Trade Talks In UK
Wall Street stocks were little changed early Monday as investors awaited details from trade talks between the United States and China in London. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged down 0.1 percent to 42,710.60, while the broad-based S&P 500 Index was flat at 5,999.11. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index crept up 0.1 percent to 19,550.16. There is "some optimism that momentum could be maintained" in the markets, with the S&P 500 not far from a new all-time high, said Sam Stovall of CFRA Research. "But we'll have to wait and see whether the economic data, the trade negotiations will continue to be supportive," he added. On Monday, representatives from the world's two biggest economies gathered in London for trade talks. A US delegation led by Treasury chief Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer began a round of negotiations with a team headed by Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. All eyes are on whether both sides can reach a longer-lasting truce, after temporarily de-escalating staggeringly high tariffs in May. But tensions over export controls underscore the challenges that both countries are grappling with. Markets will also be monitoring US inflation figures due midweek. Among individual companies, shares of Warner Bros. Discovery surged more than 12 percent in early trading after it announced Monday that it will split into two companies as it seeks to build up its streaming business.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
dow jones today: US stock market today: S&P 500 flat, Dow Jones down, Nasdaq‑100 up— biggest gainers, losers as Wall Street eyes US-China trade talks and potential tariff deal
How are the major indices performing? S&P 500 (SPY): Sitting steady at about 599.15, virtually unchanged from the previous close, remaining just under the 6,000 mark. Sitting steady at about 599.15, virtually unchanged from the previous close, remaining just under the 6,000 mark. Dow Jones Industrial Average (DIA): Dropping roughly 0.21% to 427.47, reflecting some investor caution. Dropping roughly 0.21% to 427.47, reflecting some investor caution. Nasdaq-100 (QQQ): Climbing around 0.16% to 530.77, fueled by strength in the tech sector. Which stocks are making the biggest moves? Warner Bros Discovery: Surging 7-9% following news of a company split. Surging 7-9% following news of a company split. IonQ: Up about 3% after announcing an acquisition of Oxford Ionics. Up about 3% after announcing an acquisition of Oxford Ionics. Merck: Rising 1.1%, boosted by positive trial results. Rising 1.1%, boosted by positive trial results. Nvidia: Gaining between 1.3% and 2.3%, riding the wave of AI enthusiasm. Gaining between 1.3% and 2.3%, riding the wave of AI enthusiasm. Qualcomm: Jumping 4.4% on completion of its Alphawave IP purchase. Jumping 4.4% on completion of its Alphawave IP purchase. Apple: Adding 0.7%, supported by new AI features unveiled at the WWDC event. Robinhood: Dropping 7.4% after being excluded from the S&P 500 index. Dropping 7.4% after being excluded from the S&P 500 index. Tesla: Down between 0.3% and 2%, impacted by a recent downgrade and fallout from Musk-related news. Down between 0.3% and 2%, impacted by a recent downgrade and fallout from Musk-related news. EchoStar: Falling 8.2% amid bankruptcy rumors. Why are the US and China meeting now — and what's at stake for the stock market? ADVERTISEMENT What's driving the stock market recovery in 2025? ADVERTISEMENT Are tariffs still in effect, and why does it matter now? ADVERTISEMENT Could US-China trade deals shape the next market trend? What's driving the market today? Trade talks between the U.S. and China in London continue to shape investor sentiment, contributing to the Dow's decline and a slight Nasdaq boost. in London continue to shape investor sentiment, contributing to the Dow's decline and a slight Nasdaq boost. Inflation concerns remain front and center , with traders awaiting this week's CPI and core PCE data releases. Expectations suggest the Federal Reserve may hold interest rates steady for now. , with traders awaiting this week's CPI and core PCE data releases. Expectations suggest the Federal Reserve may hold interest rates steady for now. Sector trends show technology stocks powering the gains, while healthcare lags behind. What should investors watch next? FAQs: The US stock market opened slightly weaker on Monday, June 9, as Wall Street turned its attention to critical trade talks between the United States and China. Early trading saw the Dow Jones Industrial Average fall by 185 points, or about 0.5%, marking a cautious start to the week. The S&P 500 dipped 0.1%, while the Nasdaq Composite edged up slightly by 0.1% around 9:35 a.m. Eastern are closely watching the developments in London, where senior officials from both countries are meeting to ease long-standing trade tensions. The discussions aim to address a range of economic disputes and possibly roll back mutual tariffs that have been weighing on global supply chains for week's US-China trade talks are seen as pivotal for the global economy. Tariffs imposed in past years have disrupted everything from electronics to heavy equipment. Though those tariffs are currently paused, no permanent deal has been believe that progress in these talks could help avoid a potential economic slowdown or even a recession, especially if they result in the reduction or removal of tariffs on both sides. A positive outcome could also reignite investor confidence and fuel another leg up in the US stock market modest moves reflect investor hesitancy. Market players are clearly waiting for concrete news before making big decisions. The S&P 500 remains just 2.5% below its all-time high, buoyed by hopes that the US may reach trade agreements that roll back tariffs major factor behind the stock market's strong recovery has been the belief that President Donald Trump will reduce trade barriers as part of broader global deals. After plunging by nearly 20% from its peak two months ago, the S&P 500 has made a swift optimism is largely driven by expectations that smoother trade relations — particularly with major economies like China — will relieve pressure on multinational companies and bring stability back to supply both the US and China have put a pause on new tariffs, but existing ones remain. These tariffs have cost industries billions, increased consumer prices, and created uncertainty for global important now is whether these paused tariffs are finally lifted. This could significantly improve the flow of goods, lower costs, and potentially lead to more business investments, especially in sectors like tech, agriculture, and Any meaningful breakthrough in US-China trade negotiations could serve as a key catalyst for markets. Investors are looking for long-term clarity, not just temporary Monday's talks in London show signs of real progress, we could see increased investor confidence, reduced market volatility, and fresh momentum across Dow Jones, S&P 500, and without a deal, continued uncertainty could weigh on the markets in the coming should keep a close eye on the statements or outcomes from the US-China meetings. Any mention of progress on tariff rollbacks, trade agreements, or economic cooperation could trigger immediate market also worth noting that the Federal Reserve's next move, broader economic indicators, and the 2024 US election climate remain in focus as secondary factors influencing the market Dow Jones dropped due to investor caution ahead of the US-China trade talks aim to ease tariffs and settle long-running trade disputes affecting the global economy.
Economic Times
2 hours ago
- Economic Times
US stock market today: S&P 500 flat, Dow Jones down, Nasdaq‑100 up— biggest gainers, losers as Wall Street eyes US-China trade talks and potential tariff deal
How are the major indices performing? S&P 500 (SPY): Sitting steady at about 599.15, virtually unchanged from the previous close, remaining just under the 6,000 mark. Sitting steady at about 599.15, virtually unchanged from the previous close, remaining just under the 6,000 mark. Dow Jones Industrial Average (DIA): Dropping roughly 0.21% to 427.47, reflecting some investor caution. Dropping roughly 0.21% to 427.47, reflecting some investor caution. Nasdaq-100 (QQQ): Climbing around 0.16% to 530.77, fueled by strength in the tech sector. Which stocks are making the biggest moves? Warner Bros Discovery: Surging 7-9% following news of a company split. Surging 7-9% following news of a company split. IonQ: Up about 3% after announcing an acquisition of Oxford Ionics. Up about 3% after announcing an acquisition of Oxford Ionics. Merck: Rising 1.1%, boosted by positive trial results. Rising 1.1%, boosted by positive trial results. Nvidia: Gaining between 1.3% and 2.3%, riding the wave of AI enthusiasm. Gaining between 1.3% and 2.3%, riding the wave of AI enthusiasm. Qualcomm: Jumping 4.4% on completion of its Alphawave IP purchase. Jumping 4.4% on completion of its Alphawave IP purchase. Apple: Adding 0.7%, supported by new AI features unveiled at the WWDC event. Robinhood: Dropping 7.4% after being excluded from the S&P 500 index. Dropping 7.4% after being excluded from the S&P 500 index. Tesla: Down between 0.3% and 2%, impacted by a recent downgrade and fallout from Musk-related news. Down between 0.3% and 2%, impacted by a recent downgrade and fallout from Musk-related news. EchoStar: Falling 8.2% amid bankruptcy rumors. Live Events Why are the US and China meeting now — and what's at stake for the stock market? What's driving the stock market recovery in 2025? Are tariffs still in effect, and why does it matter now? Could US-China trade deals shape the next market trend? What's driving the market today? Trade talks between the U.S. and China in London continue to shape investor sentiment, contributing to the Dow's decline and a slight Nasdaq boost. in London continue to shape investor sentiment, contributing to the Dow's decline and a slight Nasdaq boost. Inflation concerns remain front and center , with traders awaiting this week's CPI and core PCE data releases. Expectations suggest the Federal Reserve may hold interest rates steady for now. , with traders awaiting this week's CPI and core PCE data releases. Expectations suggest the Federal Reserve may hold interest rates steady for now. Sector trends show technology stocks powering the gains, while healthcare lags behind. What should investors watch next? FAQs: (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The US stock market opened slightly weaker on Monday, June 9, as Wall Street turned its attention to critical trade talks between the United States and China. Early trading saw the Dow Jones Industrial Average fall by 185 points, or about 0.5%, marking a cautious start to the week. The S&P 500 dipped 0.1%, while the Nasdaq Composite edged up slightly by 0.1% around 9:35 a.m. Eastern are closely watching the developments in London, where senior officials from both countries are meeting to ease long-standing trade tensions. The discussions aim to address a range of economic disputes and possibly roll back mutual tariffs that have been weighing on global supply chains for week's US-China trade talks are seen as pivotal for the global economy. Tariffs imposed in past years have disrupted everything from electronics to heavy equipment. Though those tariffs are currently paused, no permanent deal has been believe that progress in these talks could help avoid a potential economic slowdown or even a recession, especially if they result in the reduction or removal of tariffs on both sides. A positive outcome could also reignite investor confidence and fuel another leg up in the US stock market modest moves reflect investor hesitancy. Market players are clearly waiting for concrete news before making big decisions. The S&P 500 remains just 2.5% below its all-time high, buoyed by hopes that the US may reach trade agreements that roll back tariffs major factor behind the stock market's strong recovery has been the belief that President Donald Trump will reduce trade barriers as part of broader global deals. After plunging by nearly 20% from its peak two months ago, the S&P 500 has made a swift optimism is largely driven by expectations that smoother trade relations — particularly with major economies like China — will relieve pressure on multinational companies and bring stability back to supply both the US and China have put a pause on new tariffs, but existing ones remain. These tariffs have cost industries billions, increased consumer prices, and created uncertainty for global important now is whether these paused tariffs are finally lifted. This could significantly improve the flow of goods, lower costs, and potentially lead to more business investments, especially in sectors like tech, agriculture, and Any meaningful breakthrough in US-China trade negotiations could serve as a key catalyst for markets. Investors are looking for long-term clarity, not just temporary Monday's talks in London show signs of real progress, we could see increased investor confidence, reduced market volatility, and fresh momentum across Dow Jones, S&P 500, and without a deal, continued uncertainty could weigh on the markets in the coming should keep a close eye on the statements or outcomes from the US-China meetings. Any mention of progress on tariff rollbacks, trade agreements, or economic cooperation could trigger immediate market also worth noting that the Federal Reserve's next move, broader economic indicators, and the 2024 US election climate remain in focus as secondary factors influencing the market Dow Jones dropped due to investor caution ahead of the US-China trade talks aim to ease tariffs and settle long-running trade disputes affecting the global economy.
