The September Report on Jobs published today by the REC and KPMG has received widespread national media coverage today as the latest survey shows there are signs of recovery now beginning to appear in the labour market. The report signals a return to growth, albeit only marginal, of both permanent and temporary staff appointments during August. 

Key points of the Report are: 

•     Marginal increases in both permanent and temporary staff appointments.
•     Candidate availability rose at weaker pace. 
•     Permanent and temporary staff pay fell at slower rates.

This was the first growth of permanent appointments for 17 months and the first increase in temp billings since July 2008.. The rate of contraction of demand for staff eased further in August. The latest drop in overall vacancies was the weakest in just over a year. Although the availability of candidates to fill job vacancies continued to rise strongly in August, the rates of improvement in both permanent and temporary/contract staff availability eased to the weakest for a year.

Kevin Green the REC Chief Executive, says: “For the first time in 17 months, this month's report shows signs that the UK jobs market is improving.  It seems that employers are becoming more confident in their hiring decisions with an increase in permanent recruitment and growth in temporary placements for the first time in over a year.”

http://www.rec.uk.com/press/news/768