REC: Jobs market continuing to improve

The UK jobs market is continuing to improve, with both permanent and temporary appointments on the rise, according to a new report.

January's Report on Jobs by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) revealed a rise in permanent jobs for the fourth consecutive month, while temporary billings also grew for the sixth month running.

This is likely to reflect well on small businesses, which will be among those expanding their operations over the last few months.

REC Director of Policy and Professional Services, Tom Hadley, said: "The war for talent has begun. January saw the sharpest rise in starting salaries in well over a year after a nine-month trend of increases.

"The rise is caused by continued growth in permanent vacancies paired with a reduction in candidate availability."

On January 23rd, the Office for National Statistics confirmed that unemployment fell by 37,000 between September and November last year, suggesting the private sector is continuing to hire new workers.

Posted by Emily Smith

Last updated: 8th February 2013