Unemployment figures are up, but the UKís job machine is still working, says REC

Figures released today show the current number of people unemployed has increased to 1.72 million. However, the REC stresses that despite a more competitive labour market, employers are still recruiting.

Tom Hadley, the RECís Director of External Relations said: ìAlthough the unemployment figures did not hit the 2 million mark that some people were predicting, in the current climate it is no surprise that unemployment figures are up. This follows the latest data from the REC/KPMG Report on Jobs which shows that the demand for permanent staff has slowed to its lowest rate for seven years.

ìOf course, this is not good news but it is important to remember that there are still jobs out there, that we are still in a much better state than most other European countries and that we are still nowhere near the dark days when over 3 million unemployed in the UK.

ìIt is clearly a worrying time for those out of work and those who have recently lost their jobs. However, the feedback from recruitment professionals on the front line of the labour market confirms that employers are still recruiting, although it is clearly a more competitive environment for job-seekers following years of an extremely candidate-driven market.

Hadley continued: ìOur message to job seekers is to speak with local recruitment agencies, find out what sectors and employers are recruiting, what opportunities there might be for some temporary or contract work and even ask them for some guidance on longer term career options.

ìIn addition, we must recognise that one of the benefits of the UK's flexible labour market is the opportunities it affords for getting people back into employment - in particular, through contract, temporary or interim management work.

ìIt is therefore essential that the Government avoids aggravating employment prospects through regulations or tax changes that could choke the UK jobs market at the worst possible time.î