South Yorkshire’s Quarterly Economic Survey is now underway to quantify the impact of rising employment costs and pressures.

11th May 2026

South Yorkshire’s Quarterly Economic Survey is now open, providing a critical opportunity to quantify the growing impact of rising employment costs on businesses across the region.

Delivered jointly by Barnsley & Rotherham, Doncaster, and Sheffield Chambers of Commerce, the latest survey places a renewed focus on the cost of employing staff -including wages, National Insurance contributions, and investment in apprenticeships.

Businesses across South Yorkshire are being urged to have their say as mounting workforce costs continue to place increasing pressure on operations, recruitment and future growth. Against a backdrop of ongoing economic uncertainty and evolving skills challenges, capturing real-time business insight has never been more important.

The South Yorkshire Chambers engage daily with firms of all sizes and sectors and are consistently hearing about the strain associated with hiring and retaining staff. At the same time, businesses are being encouraged to invest in apprenticeships and support the development of future talent, adding further pressure within an already challenging operating environment.

Dan Fell, Chief Executive of Doncaster Chamber, said:

“We are increasingly hearing from businesses that employment costs are becoming a real challenge. Rising wages, National Insurance contributions and the cost of apprenticeships are all starting to shape decisions around recruitment and growth. Through this survey, we want to build a clear, evidence-based picture of what businesses are experiencing, so those realities can be properly reflected in conversations with policymakers.”

The Quarterly Economic Survey is one of the most influential business insight tools in the UK and is widely used by policymakers to inform decision-making. As the largest and longest-running independent survey of business sentiment in the country, its findings are closely monitored by organisations including HM Treasury, the Bank of England and the Office for Budget Responsibility.

Louisa Harrison-Walker OBE, Chief Executive of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, said:

“This survey gives South Yorkshire businesses a powerful platform to ensure their voice is heard at the highest levels. The data gathered feeds directly into national conversations and helps shape the policies that impact businesses every day. At a time of rising costs and ongoing uncertainty, it’s vital that decision-makers fully understand the real challenges being faced on the ground.”

As cost pressures, labour market challenges and economic conditions continue to evolve, the Chambers are emphasising the importance of strong participation to ensure the region is accurately represented.

Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, added:

“South Yorkshire businesses are navigating a complex and demanding environment, particularly when it comes to the cost and availability of labour. This is a crucial opportunity for employers to share their experiences and help shape the support and policies that follow. The strength of our collective voice depends on participation, the more businesses that take part, the more influence we can have both regionally and nationally.”

The Quarterly Economic Survey will be taking place from 11 May to 5 June 2026, and if you would like to participate, you can do so via your local chamber of commerce.

Have your say here