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 September are:
Permanent placements growth softens…
Permanent staff appointments continued to rise at the end of the third quarter, albeit at a softer pace. Nonetheless, growth remained sharp in the context of historical data. In contrast, temp billings expanded at a slightly quicker pace compared to August.
…as candidate availability drops further
Recruitment consultants reported continued difficulties regarding the availability of staff for both permanent and temporary roles. Although easing since August, the rate of deterioration in permanent staff availability remained historically sharp. Temp labour supply also fell sharply, with the latest drop the fastest for ten months.
Starting salary inflation reaches 41-month peak…
Starting salaries for people placed into permanent jobs increased at the quickest pace since April 2015 during September. Hourly rates of pay for temp staff also rose at a faster pace than in the preceding month.
…as demand for staff remains strong
September data pointed to a further rise in job vacancies for both permanent and temporary roles. The rate of growth in staff demand was sharp overall, albeit the weakest seen for nearly two years.
Neil Carberry, Chief Executive at the REC says:
“UK businesses are resilient, but they’re struggling to find the people they need to drive growth and opportunity. Recruiters’ specialist skills help to address this, but with Brexit looming a comprehensive mobility deal with the EU will be needed to underpin prosperity. Higher skills investment, driven by a reformed apprenticeship levy, will also be essential.
“An effective approach to post-Brexit immigration must acknowledge that there is unmet need for roles of all sorts – not just those filled by the very highest earners. Keeping deliveries going, patients being treated and goods on the shelves means an open approach to workers from elsewhere. Businesses understand the need for control – but this is not in conflict with openness to those who come to contribute.”