德勤：就业担忧加剧 英国消费者信心近三年来首次大幅下降

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights a significant decline in the UK consumer confidence index, marking the first drop in nearly three years, attributed to increased concerns over job security and high inflation [1][2] - Deloitte's survey indicates that the consumer confidence index fell by 2.6 percentage points to 10.4% in Q2 2024, the lowest level since Q1 2024 [1] - Concerns over a slowing labor market are leading consumers to worry about job security and income growth, compounded by high inflation and living costs affecting attitudes towards personal debt [1] Group 2 - Companies are reportedly less willing to hire due to three main factors: increased employment taxes, higher minimum wages, and potential legal changes that would make it harder to dismiss new employees [1] - The unemployment rate in the UK rose to 4.7%, the highest level since 2021, while inflation in June reached 3.6%, the highest since January 2024 [1] - GfK's consumer sentiment survey presents a slightly different picture, showing a decline in consumer confidence in the latter half of last year, but a rebound to the highest level since December last month [1][2] Group 3 - Deloitte's survey involved 3,200 consumers conducted between June 13 and June 16, focusing on six key issues related to employment security, job opportunities, income, debt, children's welfare, and overall health and well-being [2] - Another economic survey indicated a 3.9 percentage point increase, although it remains 18.4 percentage points lower than a year ago [2] - Deloitte's chief economist noted that while economic activity has slowed in recent months, rising business confidence suggests resilience in the economy amid geopolitical uncertainties [2]