The release of latest statistics reveals an increase in business confidence, as the number of permanent employees rises. In the months since September, January shows a significant increase in the recruitment of permanent workers, although the number of agency workers and temporary staff fell slightly.
The Report on Jobs produced by KPMG and the Recruitment & Employment Confederation revealed that the number of companies hiring permanent staff moved into the positive figures to 51.2 from December’s figure of 48.5. KPMG’s head of business services, Bernard Brown said:
“Given the continued impasse surrounding the Eurozone and the knock-on effect this has on business confidence, it is a welcome surprise to see a modest increase in the number of permanent job placements across the UK.”
Brown further observes that employers may be realising that the correct employees are required in order to stimulate growth of the UK economy. Businesses should discuss this with their small business accountants when creating a growth strategy. The research surveyed 400 employment and recruitment agencies, discovering that fewer opportunities were available in the hotel and catering business. The highest demand was demonstrated in the engineering and construction sector.
The executive of the REC, Kevin Green admitted that he was encouraged by the increase in demand for six out of eight sectors. He further added that employment was proving to be challenging as potential employees don’t have the qualities that employers are looking for. He advised greater use of apprenticeships and improved careers guidance to help solve the problem.
