The British Chamber of Commerce, which lobbies for small business, recently conducted a survey on British firms with regard to redundancies; and it appeared that half of the British businesses are either sure of laying off staff in the next six months or are thinking of doing so.

While 40% firms are considering a lay-off decision, 10% are certain of cutting jobs.

It is being predicted by one in five firms that by the end of 2009, the British economy will return to growth. However, half of those surveyed did not expect a return to growth until the first half of 2010.

Astonishingly, no company hopes to increase stock levels in the next three months.

The survey further revealed that swine flu had affected the businesses of only 16% of firms.

It was forwarded by the group that the requirement for more government action was clearly displayed by the survey.

Out of the 460 firms, which responded to the survey; 35 per cent had less than 10 staff members, 33 per cent of them employ between 10 and 49 staff, and 12 per cent had 50 to 99 employees.