Job Vacancies In UK Reach A 15-Year High

12 Dec 2013

According to new research, employment vacancies in the UK raised at their highest rate in over 15 years in November.

Last month, the REC (Recruitment and Employment Confederation) and KPMG Report on employment posted 65.6 points for employment opportunities, up from 64.2 in October. Since July 1998, this represents the highest level.

400 UK employment and recruitment consultancies were questioned for this study, which explained that readings over ‘50’ show an improvement or increase.

The research saw stronger growth than last month’s temporary opportunities (62.6) and revealed permanent staff vacancies (65.8).

Partner and Head of business services at KPMG, Bernard Brown said that 6 months ago most employers were pondering just how true the signs of recovery were.

The report also found that permanent staff salaries have accelerated further, reaching the highest rate (59.7) since November 2007.

The rise, which represents a boost of 4%, means a permanent worker on the payroll of £500 per week in October saw that in November, their remuneration has increased to £520 per week.

Also, staff on contracts and temporary workers also saw a jump in their salary as the report's index reached 55.6 in November, up from 54 in October.

REC’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Green said the fact that the figures show starting salary growth reaching a six year high, combined with on-going talent and skill shortages, implies that salaries are expected to increase and job fluidity is anticipated to accelerate into 2014.

However, the research also revealed that in November, the availability of candidates to fulfill permanent roles decreased further.

The report said that in particular, there were repeated reports of IT and engineering staff have been in short supply.