LONDON, March 9 (Reuters) - Starting salaries for permanent staff in Britain declined last month at the slowest pace since October, according to a survey on Monday that also showed the downturn in the
UK Jobs Market Downturn Slows as Permanent Hiring Nears Positive Turn
Latest Survey Reveals Signs of Recovery in UK Employment
LONDON, March 9 (Reuters) - Starting salaries for permanent staff in Britain declined last month at the slowest pace since October, according to a survey on Monday that also showed the downturn in the number of new permanent staff recruiters hired eased.
The monthly gauge of permanent job placements from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation trade body and accountants KPMG rose to its highest level in nearly three years, but remained slightly in contraction territory.
Market Expert Insights
"Despite a marginal fall in hiring last month, the jobs market was showing its strongest signs of improvement in three years, with hiring at its closest point to turning positive," Jon Holt, group chief executive and UK senior partner at KPMG, said.
Key Survey Findings
Permanent and Temporary Staff Trends
- The survey's permanent staff placements gauge came in at 49.2 in February, up from 46.9 in January.
- Temporary staff hiring index fell to 48.0 from 50.3.
Candidate Availability
- The availability of candidates for permanent roles rose sharply.
- Availability of temporary staff increased at the softest pace in more than a year.
Survey Methodology
- The survey was based on responses from a panel of around 400 recruitment agencies between February 10 and February 23.
(Reporting by Suban Abdulla, editing by Andy Bruce)
