The Report on UK Jobs is unique in providing the most comprehensive guide to the UK jobs market, drawing on original survey data provided by recruitment consultancies and employers to provide the first indication each month of labour market trends.
The main findings for December are:
Permanent placements rise at faster rate…
Recruitment consultants signalled a further increase in permanent staff appointments during December. The rate of expansion was strong, having picked up from November’s 18-month low. However, the number of job vacancies available to people seeking permanent roles rose at the slowest pace since July 2013.
…while temp billings growth also accelerates
Short-term staff appointments increased at a sharper rate in December. The latest rise in temp billings was the strongest in three months.
Pay growth remains marked
Average starting salaries awarded to people placed in permanent jobs continued to rise, with the rate of growth little- changed from the strong pace recorded in November. Temp pay meanwhile increased at the sharpest rate in three months.
Candidate availability remains tight
The availability of staff to fill permanent job roles continued to fall in December. Although easing to the slowest in eight months, the rate of deterioration remained marked. Temp availability decreased sharply, with the latest reduction faster than that recorded in November.
Commenting on the latest survey results, Bernard Brown, Partner and Head of Business Services at KPMG, said:
“A strong year for the UK jobs market finished with a flourish as temporary roles saw an upswing in popularity. More than 1 in 3 recruiters suggest that employees looking for short-term roles are being increasingly spoiled for choice as organisations search for help in an effort to fulfil customer orders. Good news for candidates also extends into the pay packet. Once again, a shortage of skills in key areas has led to a rise in the starting salaries on offer. It could mean that 2015 becomes the year in which the candidate finally becomes king.”