Job appointments increased at their slowest rate in almost a year last month, new figures have revealed.
According to the latest Report on Jobs from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), both permanent and temporary staff positions grew at a rate in August that was the least marked since October 2009.
Demand for new employees reached a recovery peak in March of this year.
Despite the slowdown in new jobs, the REC said that there was, nevertheless, evidence of a growing skills shortage.
Pay rates saw a corresponding decline too. Permanent salaries rose at their slowest rate for seven months in August, while temporary staff pay growth was at a five-month low.
Kevin Green, the REC’s chief executive, signaled his concern about the UK jobs market.
Commenting on the report, he said: “Growth is rapidly slowing as public sector job freezes start to bite and private sector employers’ confidence remains fragile.
“The young are being disproportionately affected by the worst labour market in over two decades. The report does however highlight the emergence of specific shortage areas, such as chefs, nurses, engineers and internet developers, which will provide opportunities for those with the right skills.
“A priority for government is to ramp up the support and guidance for job-seekers and to raise awareness of these growth areas within our labour market.”
