Thank you to everyone who took part in this latest QES. While the results paint a grim picture, this
data is incredibly valuable to help us see what support is needed, by which sectors.

While it is usual to see activity slow in the run up to the festive period, these declines also point to
uncertainty after the Autumn budget. Increases to minimum wage and employer National Insurance
contributions have undoubtably hit businesses hard, with many clearly halting investments across
the board, whether in recruiting new staff or purchasing new equipment, while they adjust to these
increased costs.  

Looking ahead to what 2025 holds, I am hopeful that as the dust settles, we will see appetite for
recruitment and investment grow. However, I do urge the Government to keep the impact of these
changes in the forefront of minds as we approach the next budget, our businesses need stability and
confidence to enable them to thrive.

One silver lining was the intention to upskill staff. While this may be a result of decreased hiring,
upskilling and training are vital to support the growth of our economy. Creating skilled jobs with the
right skilled people to fill them will help to enhance our region’s workforce. We are already home to
some incredible businesses in the pharmaceutical, life sciences and manufacturing sectors, all of
which require a certain skillset. Helping our people to achieve these skills and necessary
qualifications can only be a good thing, and will help to keep skilled people here in Yorkshire.

This is exactly what we’re hoping to achieve through our work with the Local Skills Improvement
Plans (LSIPs). We are working closely with both employers and training providers to identity gaps
and appetite and put plans in place to fill those gaps.

If you’re interested in getting involved with the LSIPs or would like to chat more about the QES
results, please contact getconnected@my-chamber.co.uk.

Martin Hathaway
Managing Director
Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce

You can read the latest QES report here: