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 June are:
Slower rise in permanent placements…
June data signalled a further increase in permanent staff placements. Although remaining stronger than the survey’s long-run average, the rate of expansion eased to the slowest in 25 months.
…while temp billings growth also eases
The rate of growth in temporary/contract staff billings moderated to an eight-month low in June, although remained marked overall.
Candidate availability remains tight…
Recruitment consultants reported that a key factor weighing on growth of staff appointments was shortages of qualified candidates. Although easing slightly since May, rates of decline in both permanent and temporary candidate availability remained considerable.
…fuelling further pay increases
The rate of permanent salary inflation remained strong and well above the survey’s historical trend in June, despite easing to a four-month low. Temp pay growth moderated to the slowest in 14 months, but again remained marked overall.
Commenting on the latest survey results, Bernard Brown, Partner at KPMG, said:
“The number of skilled workers looking for new roles fell considerably in June, stifling hiring activity and leaving the job market feeling somewhat lethargic. This growing skills shortage is cross sector and cross discipline: recruiters are struggling to fill vacancies for everything from software engineers to sales. The lack of qualified candidates is also driving up salaries, with the right individual able to command a significant premium from businesses anxious to secure their skills and experience. The primary concern remains the impact this unwanted pause in recruitment will have on the performance and productivity of UK plc; without the right staff it will be very difficult for businesses to keep pace with demand, let alone achieve their long term growth potential.”