Rising UK recruitment levels are already providing a boost to short-term company car leasing in 2010, says specialist Equalease.

A report issued this week by PricewaterhouseCoopers states that 63% of UK firms are looking to take on more staff this year – and Equalease managing director Paul Ashton said that employers were learning that short term leasing was an ideal way to provide a company car during staff probationary periods.

He said: “The recession means that employers are even keener than usual to take a good look at probationary staff over an initial three-six month period to ensure that they are the right person for the job before committing”

“These people often need a company car but their employers do not feel prepared to commit to a new car purchase or to take out a three or four year lease until the employee becomes permanent.”