Lobby group urges SMEs to impose one-year pay freeze

Small firms’ lobbyist Isme has called on SMEs to impose a one-year pay freeze for employees, saying the outlook for the sector remains “precarious” despite signs of economic stability emerging.

A new survey of its members found that a net 18% expect to increase employment levels during 2014, 5% more than last year; while 18% also expect to increase their workers’ salaries.

A net 13% of respondents increased their staff levels during 2013.