Record rise in permanent staff placements

THE growth of permanent staff placements reached a record high last month, according to a survey of 100 recruitment consultants.

The Report on Jobs: North, compiled by research group Markit for the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and KPMG, has highlighted a sharp increase in permanent staff placements.

Its seasonally adjusted permanent staff placements index rose to the highest level in the survey’s history – up to 69.3 from 64.8 in July.

Temporary/contract staff billings in the North rose at the sharpest pace in nine-and-half years during August.

REC chief executive Kevin Green said: “August was an extraordinary month for the jobs market, with temp placements hitting a nine-and-a-half-year high. There is more good news for all workers with pay rates for temps rising and starting salaries for permanent staff also increasing.

“Vacancies have hit a high and fluidity is returning to the jobs market, so over the coming months we expect to see a noticeable improvement in official employment figures. The major issue now is the worrying lack of candidates to fill the jobs being advertised. This month’s figures should be celebrated and efforts should be focused on addressing the skills gap rather than picking holes in flexible working.”