28 Oct 2025The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has called for Chancellor Rachel Reeves to use the Autumn Budget to combat 'persistent' hiring problems. According to the BCC's latest Quarterly Recruitment Outlook, 54% of businesses have attempted to hire employees in the last three months. However, most firms continue to face recruitment challenges, with 75% of employers stating they have experienced issues. Just 22% of businesses hired new employees in the third quarter of this year, the BCC found. 25% reported that they intend to increase their workforce in the next three months. 'Employers are battling against sky-high employment costs and widespread skills shortages,' said Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the BCC. 'With 72% of firms saying costs are putting pressure on them to raise prices, the spectre of higher inflation will continue to hover. 'The government should use the tax system to help people stay in – or quickly return to – employment when they experience ill health. Tax breaks for health services that businesses provide to their workforce are an obvious solution, to protect people's livelihoods and keep skills in the workforce.'