Growth in permanent placements…..
The key points from the March 2017 survey:
- The demand for staff holds close to its strongest for 18 months with sustained growth in permanent placements
- Salaries continue to increase..
- However, the number of candidates available for permanent vacancies has reduced
Growth of permanent placements increases at softer pace
Latest data points to sustained growth in permanent placements during March. Although the pace of expansion eased from February’s one-year record, it was solid overall. Higher placements were generally linked to greater demand for staff and improved confidence in the market.
Supply of candidates drops markedly
The supply of permanent candidates continued to fall sharply in March, although the rate of reduction weakened slightly since February’s 13-month peak. Around one-third of recruitment agencies reported lower availability.
Salary growth remains sharp
Permanent starting salaries continued to increase sharply in March, despite the rate of pay growth edging down slightly from an 11-month high in the previous month. Shortage of staff and greater efforts to secure quality staff has placed upwards pressure on salaries. This is a good time for individuals prepared to move jobs, with generous pay offers on the table to secure the talent available.
Demand for staff holds close to 18-month peak
March saw a further steep increase in job vacancies across the UK, with growth of demand for staff holding close an 18month record. Permanent staff vacancies increased at a rate only fractionally slower than the previous month. Although permanent placements have hit a 12 month high, businesses across the UK are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit for permanent roles. The big question still remains about how employers will fill their vacancies.
