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 November are:
Growth of permanent placements eases to 18-month low…
The number of people placed in permanent jobs by surveyed recruitment consultancies continued to rise in November. However, the rate of growth moderated further, reaching its slowest for one-and-a-half years.
…but temp billings rise at faster rate
Agency billings from the employment of temporary and contract staff increased again in November, with the rate of expansion quickening from that recorded in the previous survey period.
Strong salary growth
Starting salaries for successful candidates placed in permanent jobs rose further, with the rate of growth quickening from October’s eight-month low and comfortably above the survey’s long-run trend. Temp pay growth remained solid and slightly faster than in the previous month.
Further marked drop in staff availability
The rate of decline in permanent candidate availability remained marked in November, with a range of skills reported in short-supply. Temp staff availability also fell, albeit at the slowest rate since March.
Commenting on the latest survey results, Bernard Brown, Partner and Head of Business Services at KPMG, said:
“Not much sign of a happy Christmas in the job market. The rate at which permanent contracts are being signed is rising at the slowest rate in 18 months. This follows an unexpected fall in investment in the UK in Q3.”
“With political uncertainty in the UK, and in particular the country’s position on Europe, could this be the start of a negative trend in the jobs market? Let’s hope not and that the initiatives announced in the Autumn Statement convert to new employment opportunities.”