SMEs intend to 'continue recruiting' in 2008

Despite the uncertain economic climate and credit-tightening by financial organisations, small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are confident about the year ahead, a new survey has found.

The Credit Show, which is organised by Credit Today, conducted the research, finding that 80% of small firms are optimistic about the year ahead, Online Recruitment magazine reports.

And 37% of SMEs stated that they are intending to hire more staff in the coming months.

Kamala Panday, Publisher of Credit Today, said that the changing economic climate has led many businesses to adapt their strategies.

'In general, the overall picture is one of optimism and it's great to hear of the bullish mood that SMEs are in today, especially as they are such a vital part of the UK economy,' she remarked.

However, it has been suggested this week that further job cuts are expected in the City during this year, while Contractor UK reported that IT job demand has fallen over the last 12 months.