News
Jobs data shows small uplift in permanent appointments
Published on 10th February 2012 by William Guy
A report compiled by the REC and KPMG shows that recruitment across the UK is still volatile with permenant placements increasing whilst interim and contract appoitments decreasing.
The Report on Jobs, published by REC KPMG, found that permanent placements increased for the first time in four months, although at a modest rate.
However, this piece of good news was counteracted by data which showed temporary and contract billings falling for the second month in a row. A number of agencies involved in the research for the report cited the introduction of the Agency Workers Regulations as a reason for this fall.
In addition, salaries for permanent positions rose only marginally in January and at a much slower pace than the long- term average. Hourly rates of pay for temporary/contract staff increased modestly following a slight decline in De
Kevin Green, chief executive of the REC, commented: "This month's report highlights that there are glimmers of hope for the UK jobs market with permanent placements increasing for the first time in four months. This is the first positive indicator for some time that employers are looking to hire staff despite the ongoing weakness of the economy.
A major challenge in the jobs market is the disconnect between what employers are looking for and what jobseekers can offer. Better careers guidance is part of the solution, as is increased use of apprenticeships to get young people into employment with vocational skills development."