Report on Jobs

The latest Report on Jobs survey signalled further substantial growth of permanent staff placements, while temporary staff billings increased at the fastest pace for almost two years. Employee appointments were driven higher by improved demand from employers, with vacancies increasing at the sharpest rate for eighteen months.

Commenting on the latest survey results, Michael Carter, People Services Partner at KPMG said: ìThe figures reflect a familiar trend of rising permanent and temporary placements and increasing demand for staff, despite the backdrop of a rise in official unemployment figures. The continuing skills shortages mean that employers have to offer higher salaries to attract staff and this month saw the most marked increase in contract pay rates in eighteen months, with pay inflation for permanent roles only slightly below Mayís high. This traditional approach risks an adverse impact on the bottom line and could mean that employers are missing out on talent.

One answer could be more creativity both in sourcing candidates and in the overall reward package, recognising that not all prospective employees relish full time employment or continuing employment. This could go a long way to alleviating the skills shortages that are currently making employerís lives so difficult.î

The Report on Jobs, published today by the Recruitment & Employment Confederation and KPMG, provides the most comprehensive guide to the UK labour market, drawing on original survey data provided by recruitment consultancies and employers, as well as data on national newspaper recruitment advertising.

Also commenting on the latest report, Gareth Osborne, REC Managing Director said:

Demand for staff is rising at a rapid rate, which suggests that the outlook for the labour market is actually quite strong. The recent rises in UK unemployment levels are therefore not as worrying as they first appear. Engineering and construction as well as IT/computing continue to be growth sectors. Growth is least strong for workers in the nursing and medical sector in both the permanent and temporary posts. This reflects the current funding crisis in the NHS and the reported difficulties of newly qualified nursing staff have in finding postings.

Data from the Report on Jobs can be obtained from Jack Kennedy at NTC (tel: 01491 418687 or email jack_kennedy@ntc.co.uk)