The government has removed the VAT concession on temporary workers' wages. Critics have said this will increase the cost of hiring temporary workers and add to the unemployment figures. Katja Hall, director of HR policy at the Confederation of British Industry, said: "This is disappointing at a time when businesses need help to survive the recession. Temporary work gets people into jobs, and will be vital in cutting unemployment when confidence returns. The concession was temporary, but the government should wait until the recession is over."