Smaller firms' job pessimism

ONLY nine per cent of small firms in France are planning to take on staff in 2011, a new poll has revealed.

The joint study by Fiducial and Ipsos found companies were gloomy about future hiring because of weak growth prospects in the French economy.

Business-owners said they were also worried about their cashflow for the coming year, although 57 per cent said they were confident the situation would stabilise.

Fiducial director Marc Jaumouillé said: “Lack of visibility is hurting both investment and employment and the government does not seem to be sending out clear signals about its intentions.”