–KPMG/REC: Dec Permanent Placements 54.9 vs 55.2
–KPMG/REC: Dec Temporary Placements 52.8 vs 53.5
–KPMG/REC: Dec Vacancies Index 54.8 vs 53.2
–KPMG/REC: Dec Permanent Salaries Index 54.5 vs 52.3
–KPMG/REC: UK Jobs Growth Continues At Slower Pace In Dec

LONDON (MNI) – Permanent jobs growth in the UK continued in
December, as the private sector continued to generate openings, albeit
at a slower clip than in November, according to the latest survey of the
labour market for KPMG/REC and compiled by Markit.

The permanent jobs indicator slipped slightly to 54.9, down from
the 55.2 seen in November but remained above the expansion/contraction
threshold of 50.

The temporary jobs index also fell to 52.8, down from the 53.5 seen
in November and slightly higher than the 51.6 in October.

Growth of demand for permanent employees accelerated to a
four-month high in December. This was signalled by a Permanent Staff
Vacancies Index reading of 54.8, up from 53.1.

Correspondingly, permanent staff salaries rose at a stronger rate
as employers competed for skilled candidates.

Of the eight types of permanent staff monitored by the survey,
seven recorded improved demand in December. The strongest rate of
expansion was signalled for IT and Computing workers, with growth
picking up to a six-month high.

Commenting on the survey, Bernard Brown, head of Business Services
at KPMG, said:

“The latest data suggest again that the UK job market is on the
road to recovery as growth of permanent placements remained solid and
demand for staff rose strongly.”

“A look at the sectors indicates that the private sector is mainly
responsible for the overall positive picture, with IT and computing as
well as executive and professional staff most in demand.”

“Whilst demand has been strong, we are entering a critical phase
for the UK job market with two big question marks. First, the impact of
government cut backs in public sector spend and employment, which should
start to bite over the coming months. Second, the impact of the recent
VAT increase and whether this will affect UK consumer demand and job
creation.”

–London newsroom: 4420 7862 7491; email wwilkes@marketnews.com

[TOPICS: M$B$$$,MABDS$]