Number of full-time jobs increased in August

The number of full-time jobs increased in August following a slump in June and July, according to a report by Markit and the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC).

The report also showed an increase in starting salaries, a result of employers trying to attract workers who are reluctant to change jobs in the current climate.

Shortages

Wages also increased in August as a result of employers placing more senior-level workers into roles due to a shortage of skills, whilst some recruiters went ahead with job hires that they had suspended in the weeks leading up to the EU referendum in June.

Whilst full-time jobs in London did not increase, decline did ease during August, and the number of permanent roles increased across all other regions.

The strongest growth of job vacancies was found to be for temporary workers in the private sector, whilst demand for permanent staff in the public sector declined.

The report also identified the most sought-after sectors for full-time positions, with the medical and care sector being the most in-demand, followed by engineering.

Record

The report comes after figures from the Office for National Statistics showed that the number of UK unemployment claimants fell in July, with a record number of people in work despite concerns that the vote for the UK to leave the EU would result in job losses.

Commenting on the Markit and REC report, REC Chief Executive Kevin Green said that “It is still too early to make conclusions about what impact the vote to leave the EU will have on the jobs market.”