UK firms fear job cuts as budget looms, poll shows widespread anxiety

A recent DJH poll covering the period from 10 September to 20 October surveyed 82 UK firms about their outlook ahead of Chancellor John Healey's upcoming Budget. Half of the respondents said they are terrified of another wave of job cuts, while seven in ten describe the overall business mood as cautious or anxious. This unease is already limiting firms' willingness to invest or recruit new staff.

Scott Heath, a company leader, pointed to global conflicts, higher domestic energy prices and talk of additional tax increases as factors creating an uncertain environment. The poll serves as a temperature check on the economy just before Healey presents his first budget, which is expected to include measures to curb rising employment costs. Business leaders warned that further uncertainty would be unwelcome at a time when the economy is struggling to regain momentum.