The REC’s latest report on jobs has revealed that despite a recent struggle, temporary job billings increased for the first time in nine months. Alongside this, they also reported that permanent job placements continued to fall, although at a slower rate than previous months.
There have been positive signs in the jobs market for temporary workers and contractors recently, as well as welcome boosts in specific sectors thanks to the Olympics, which the REC suggest could mean rising employer confidence and even signs of economic recovery. Greater levels of demand were shown from the private sector, but despite the overall increase, public sector vacancies fell sharply.
Kevin Green of the REC claimed that the report shows “the remarkable level of resilience within the UK labour market as it continues to outperform predictions.” He also praised the flexibility of the UK jobs market, citing it as one of the key competitive advantages the country has over those who are still struggling across the eurozone.
Focusing on the improvements to the temporary jobs market, Mr Green said that as well as employers calling on the flexibility of contractors and agency staff there are also signs that last year’s new Agency Worker Regulations have not resulted in any significant negative impact, which has been predicted.
KPMG’s Bernard Brown added to the REC’s comments, saying; “It may be slow, but perhaps we are witnessing the first signs of recovery? Temporary placements are also on the up, so the hope must be that employer confidence is returning, that they are looking to the long-term and recruiting for growth.”
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