UK recruiters report four-year low in permanent placing

Numbers of British workers in permanent jobs in June dropped for the first time in almost four years, according to a UK recruitment survey.

Friday's Markit/REC jobs report recorded a slight decline in permanent positions placed in the days before the EU referendum, the first fall in 45 months, while temporary staff billings rose but at the slowest rate of growth for nine months.

Anecdotal evidence collected during the 13-24 June survey suggested that uncertainty in the lead-up to the EU referendum had "heavily impacted on activity", Markit said.

The survey data pointed to a further easing of permanent salary growth, the slowest growth since September 2013, while candidate supply decreased at a sharper pace than in May.

“Uncertainty during the run-up to the referendum saw many employers suspend permanent hiring and instead bring in temporary, contractor or interim staff to hedge against potential changes to their growth prospects," said Kevin Green, chief executive of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation.

“Whilst it is too early to assess what the impact of the vote to leave the EU will be on jobs, our data underlines the need for uncertainty to be minimised so that our economy and our labour market are not adversely affected. The best thing for business right now is clear and calm leadership and as much clarity as possible on what the post-EU future will look like."