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Businesses in the United Kingdom are continuing to operate in a "low-hire, low-fire" environment, according to a survey released Monday by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Employer confidence remains close to its weakest level outside the COVID-19 pandemic, while businesses report little intention to expand their workforces. The cautious approach suggests that employers are limiting both recruitment and layoffs as they wait for greater economic stability. For workers, the trend could mean fewer opportunities to change jobs or negotiate higher wages in an already uncertain labor market.