Report reveals dip in job growth in April

A report by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and KPMG has revealed its permanent placements index slipped to 63.2 in April from 65.2 in March.

However, any reading above 50 indicates net hiring.

The survey, which questions 400 recruitment firms, showed the availability of staff grew, albeit at a slower pace than earlier in the year.

Meanwhile, the REC said the survey found that hourly pay rates for temporary or contract staff increased at the fastest rate in more than two years.

Kevin Green, the REC’s chief executive, comments: “The report highlights continued growth in both temporary and permanent employment, although the rate of growth has slowed slightly compared to previous months.

“The first test of the new administration will be to nurture the slowly improving but fragile jobs market.

“The incoming Government must address two immediate priorities – stimulating jobs growth and reducing expenditure without creating a public sector recession through shedding thousands of posts,” he added.

Meanwhile, Bernard Brown of KPMG, adds: “The latest figures show that the UK jobs market is continuing on the road to recovery albeit at a slower pace than the previous month.”

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