Trading fears 'may force retailers to cut prices Howard Archer, IHS Global Insight chief UK and European economist, said the "reasonable but unspectacular" figures suggested there was uncertainty about the outlook for Christmas trading. He added: "Consequently a number of retailers may feel under increasing pressure to engage in discounting and promotions over the coming days." At the same time, the Chancellor's optimism about growth prospects is reflected in an analysis showing that growing business confidence and scope for expansion is forecast to produce a 30pc jump to £15bn in company fundraising next year. The total this year is expected to be around £11.6bn, the best for four years, but, with the investment focus switched from survival to growth, Capita Asset Services sees more companies being stimulated to start a new round of fundraising to finance expansion. Meanwhile, the latest survey by BDO shows business confidence in November maintained its unbroken run for a 10th month and says the economy is set for "robust growth" in the first half next year. All nine English regions covered by Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking Regional Purchasing Managers" index, recorded further private sector growth last month. It was strongest in the South East and weakest in Wales, followed by the North West. Þ Employers are offering the biggest pay rises for six years to tempt top talent to switch jobs and break a logjam in the recruitment market, research data released today shows. Companies are reacting to an upsurge in unfilled vacancies, running at the highest level for 15 years, and a fall in numbers applying for jobs, down to a six-year low, according to a jobs survey by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation and KPMG.