Employers eye pay rises as confidence rises

The bank’s annual employers’ survey revealed 66 per cent of firms in the region will increase pay in the next 12 months.

More than half (52 per cent) will also create new jobs, as optimism about the economy climbs.

Nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) are looking to boost skills at junior and middle-management level, while 34 per cent are set to recruit apprenticeships.

Debbie Mullen, head of Yorkshire for Barclays Corporate Banking, said: “It’s great to see so many local businesses planning to increase both jobs and wages this year.

“This is positive news for employees as firms compete for talent but also, in the longer term, for businesses themselves as they look to ensure they are well-positioned for future growth opportunities.”