ONE in six UK employers plan to expand into Europe in the next two years, meaning that almost a third could be working internationally by 2016, according to a new report.
The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) said its survey of 200 employers found that one in 10 planned to expand in the European Union and non-EU countries.
The poll found that the main barriers were international expansion, costly business rates and finding suitably skilled staff.
A further poll of 600 employers found that almost nine out of 10 planned to create more jobs in the coming months.
REC chief executive Kevin Green said: "UK employers have been growing and expanding their workforces throughout 2014. Business confidence has returned to such an extent that many are now looking beyond the UK for opportunities overseas.
"We're looking ahead to a potential doubling of the number of UK companies doing business beyond our shores in the next two years.
"It's interesting that the bulk of those employers want to build their brands in the European market, re-iterating how important the EU is as our key trading partner.
"It also highlights the ambition and growing confidence of UK businesses as our economy and labour markets both continue to perform well at home."
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