The latest KPMG/REC report on the UK labour market for April shows it continues to be in a very healthy state. Permanent staff placements rose at a strong and accelerated rate, although the rate of expansion remained below February’s recent peak. Temp billings also rose at a robust pace, albeit the lowest since June 2013.
Demand for staff remains strong with a further increase in vacancy levels during April. The rate of growth in demand for staff was broadly unchanged from March’s elevated pace.
However, the availability of candidates to fill positions declined at a faster rate in April For permanent candidates, the latest fall was the sharpest since October 2004, while for temporary workers it was the steepest since December 2000.
This decline in availability has started to fuel growth in permanent salaries which accelerated further in April, the most marked increase since July 2007. Temporary staff pay also increased.