UK hiring continued to pick up in October, REC says

Hiring continued to pick up in October, with permanent and temporary staff placements growing at their quickest pace in four and three months, respectively, according to the Recruitement and Employment Confederation.

In a further sign of labour market strength, REC said vacancies continued to rise at a "marked pace" with demand for permanent staff growing quickest.

The greatest demand was seen in the Midlands, followed by the North, while the rates of expansion in the South and London were described as modest.

REC chief executive Kevin Green, said "the jobs-rich recovery looks set to continue" but warned about the sustainability of the upturn given reports of skill shortage areas in both the private and public sectors.

The need for additional manpower was most marked in the private sector.

Salaries for permanent staff maintained a strong rate of growth, similar to those seen in the third quarter.

The avilability of staff to fill those vanacies continued to decrease sharply.

Accounting/Financial remained the most sought-after category for permanent staff in October.