APSCo figures show increase in permanent finance workers

The latest figures from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) have shown that the number of candidates securing permanent placements in the financial services sector increased by 17% year-on-year in May 2018.

The figures, which focus on professional recruitment, also showed that while there was a drop in permanent vacancies, the number of candidates in permanent jobs increased by 9% over the 12-month period.       

Strong

APSCo’s figures showed that hiring activity in financial services continues to be strong, with the sector being one of the strongest in terms of demand for contractors. The number of contractor vacancies increased by 22% last month, while demand for permanent workers in the sector also increased, with a year-on-year rise of 8%.

The data also showed that demand for permanent professionals in the IT sector increased by 6% over the past 12 months, which comes as technology firms are set to invest more than £2bn in the UK. The move will help to boost employment, with 1,600 new jobs being created. 

The figures also looked at salaries across all of APSCo’s core sector groups and showed that while average salaries dipped, they still continue to remain stable.

Strength

Commenting on the figures, APSCo’s Chief Executive Ann Swain stated that while demand may be slipping across the board, the data shows that there are pockets of strength.

She added that financial services and IT in particular are continuing to perform incredibly well, but only time will tell if this will continue.