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The number of Brits getting permanent jobs has dropped to its slowest rate in 18 months. There is a major skills shortage in a number of sectors and consequently starting salaries have had to rise.
The Recruitment and Employment Confederation has revealed that Britain’s rapid rate of job creation is losing momentum as agencies are finding people with the right skills necessary for certain jobs are few and far between.
"It's been a strong year for the UK labour market and it's a sign of continuing business confidence that employers are expanding their permanent workforces and are prepared to make more generous offers to new recruits to attract the right people," said Kevin Green, CEO at the REC.
"Over a quarter of recruiters say that starting salaries for equivalent jobs are getting better by the month, driven by competition between employers for quality candidates."
The REC confirmed that IT and Computing employees are the most desired in the short term staffing voids, but construction workers are in the least demand.
In London there is the slowest rise in permanent work, however in the Midlands there is a strong growth.
Those looking to such figures are worried that the general election will have an effect on the jobs market in 2015.
"The rate at which permanent contracts are being signed is rising at the slowest rate in 18 months," said Bernard Brown, Partner and Head of Business Services at KPMG, which sponsors the report.
"This follows an unexpected fall in investment in the UK's third quarter. With political uncertainty in the UK, and in particular the country's position on Europe, could this be the start of a negative trend in the jobs market? Let's hope not and that the initiatives announced in the Autumn Statement convert to new employment opportunities."
The Office of National Statistics commented that there was a faster rate than forecast in average weekly earnings, which does not take into consideration bonuses. In fact it grew 1.3% in September- the weekly average wage in the UK is £455 before tax.
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