–KPMG/REC: UK Mar Permanent Placements 65.2 Vs 63.2 In Feb
–KPMG/REC: UK Mar Temporary Placements 60.9 vs 57.9 in Feb
–KPMG/REC: UK Mar Vacancies Index 60.6 Vs 62.2 In Feb
–KPMG/REC: UK Mar Permanent Posts Fastest Growth Since Oct 1997

LONDON (MNI) – UK permanent job placements in March grew at their
fastest pace since October 1997, according to the latest KPMG/REC survey
of the UK labour market.

Temporary staff appointments accelerated to the fastest pace seen
since May 2007 in March. KPMG/REC said appointments growth was driven
higher by the fastest increase in demand for temporary staff since
January 2008.

March permanent placements rose to an index reading of 65.2
against 63.2 in February, KPMG/REC said.

An index reading above 50 signals a higher number of
placements/billings than the previous month. Readings below 50 signal a
decline compared with the previous month.

Salaries awarded to successful candidates placed in permanent
positions rose again in March. The rise in permanent salaries, however,
was running at a moderate pace relative to the survey’s long-run trend.
Temporary/contract staff hourly pay rates also rose slightly.

The permanent salary index stood at 53.6 in March compared with
54.1 in February.

Hourly rates of pay for staff in temporary/contract employment
increased at a pace that, although modest, was the sharpest since June
2008. Temporary pay rates in March stood at 51.4 compared with 50.3 in
February.

Demand for staff has continued to rise. The number of vacancies
available to jobseekers increased for a sixth month in succession during
March. The Jobs Vacancies Index posted 60.6, down from 62.2 in February
and its lowest reading for three months, but still showing a marked rate
of growth.

Demand for permanent employees continued to rise in March. Although
dropping from 62.5 in February to 60.8, the Permanent Staff Vacancies
Index still signalled a strong rate of expansion.

The Temporary Staff Vacancies Index remained above 50.0 for a
seventh straight month in March, to indicate another rise in short-term
staff appointments. At 57.4, the Temporary Staff Vacancies Index
registered its highest level since January 2008.

–London newsroom: 4420 7634 1624; email ukeditorial@marketnews.com

[TOPICS: M$B$$$,MABDS$]