17-12-2007
Positive trend identified for SMEs
The possibility of employees within small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) receiving bonus payments this year looks positive, it has been claimed.
Data released by Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank, a provider of business banking services, shows that, of the SMEs who are planning to offer staff bonus payments, 39 per cent of employees will be receiving an increase compared with last year.
"This is great news for small firms and their employees and suggests many have enjoyed a profitable 2007," said Steve Jennings, director of business banking at Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank.
"However with the outlook for 2008 less certain, business owners cannot afford to become complacent; they need to ensure costs are reviewed on a regular basis," he added.
In total, 12 per cent of the UK's SMEs anticipate the payment of an employee bonus for 2007, with those based in Scotland most likely to do so.