Growth in permanent placements outstrips that for temp billings- REC
Growth in permanent placements outstrips that for temp billings
March data signalled a further sharp increase in permanent staff placements across the UK, with the pace of expansion edging up fractionally since February. In contrast, temp billings expanded at the weakest pace for over a year.
Demand for staff rises at softest pace for 15 months
Staff vacancies continued to rise markedly at the end of the first quarter. This was despite growth of demand easing slightly to the lowest for 15 months, driven by a weaker upturn in temporary staff positions.
Supply of candidates drops at weakest rate for a year
Overall candidate availability continued to decline sharply during March, though the latest reduction was the weakest seen for one year. A softer drop in permanent candidate supply contrasted with a slightly quicker deterioration in short-term staff availability.
Pay pressures remain marked
Average starting salaries continued to increase sharply in March, despite the rate of inflation softening to a ten-month low. Pay for temporary/contract staff rose at the quickest pace since last September.