The slowdown in the UK economy could cost 1,625 jobs in the sports and leisurewear industry, according to business analyst Plimsoll Publishing.
But it’s the story behind the headlines that will determine the survival of the companies in question. Customers, suppliers and competitors have no way of telling from a job reduction announcement whether the cuts were made in panic mode or for clearly thought-out strategic reasons.
“Obviously, the reasons will make little difference to those who are losing their livelihoods,” says David Pattison, senior analyst at Plimsoll. “But for customers, suppliers or competitors, there is a crucial contrast between cost cutting without any obvious focus and scaling back jobs as part of an active programme of management designed to steer the ship and keep the company competitive.”
Plimsoll’s latest survey suggests that of the 476 companies surveyed, up to 186 will need to reduce staff in some form or other. Driving this need are two main issues – the fact that 45 businesses in the sector are showing declining sales, and also the increase in salaries as a percentage of overall costs.
Salaries already account for 11 per cent of sales. But if, as expected, wages rise next year by the projected four per cent to an average of £18,600, then 39 companies will become unsustainable businesses, according to Plimsoll.
Says Pattison: “This analysis clearly pinpoints the companies most at risk and those which are best placed to survive this period of uncertainty. It also sets certain business decisions in context, showing why job losses may be announced, for example. As the market slows towards the end of 2007 and the start of 2008, companies will use the time to focus on costs. But our analysis shows that the headline-grabbing decisions are only a small part of the story, regardless of the company involved.”
Plimsoll’s report does, however, highlight some encouraging signs. Jobs are being created in the sports and leisurewear sector, mainly by 20 expanding companies looking to grow their workforce to cope with more business. This, says Pattison, is further evidence of where good management is creating confidence for the future.
