LONDON (Reuters) -British companies’ expectations for employment in the year fell last month for the first time in nearly five years, while expectations for future inflation touched the highest level since late 2023, a Bank of England survey showed on Thursday.

The readings underlined the trade-offs faced by the central bank as it weighs further cuts to interest rates, faced with growing signs of a cooling labour market coupled with the highest rate of inflation among Group of Seven economies.

The BoE kept borrowing costs on hold on Thursday, but a narrow vote and signs that Governor Andrew Bailey might soon join those seeking a rate cut increases the chances of a December move after the government’s budget later this month.

The BoE’s Decision Maker Panel showed expected employment grow

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