Factories boost

HOPES for a recovery in the manufacturing industry were sparked after factory bosses reported orders had improved to a level not seen since last March.

Although total order books were still below normal, they showed an improvement between January and February with firms predicting an increase in output over the coming months, employers' body the CBI said.

More firms expect to be able to raise prices than reduce them although soaring energy costs mean profit margins are likely to be further squeezed.

Hiring over 65s

FIRMS are ready to take on more workers over the age of 65 to meet a growing labour shortage, research showed.

The study revealed the current number of older people prepared to work beyond their retirement age might not be enough to match the demand.

Staff will also increasingly work flexible hours in years to come, the survey of 3,000 employers and workers by recruitment agency Manpower suggested.

Security chaos

THE hiring of security guards could descend into chaos because firms were failing to meet a deadline to licence employees, a leading trade union warned.

The GMB said there could be a shortage of security guards unless the Government extended a March 20 deadline for companies to obtain a licence.

Some workers were already being laid off because the licensing deadline will not be met, according to the union.