Contractor Jobs Fell At The End Of 2011

Contractor jobs are reported to have fallen in December, according to the REC and KMPG’s latest Report on Jobs. This put the demand for temps in the same position as permanent jobs, which have fallen for the last three months.

REC Chief Executive Kevin Green was still confident that the UK jobs market is resilient and functioning well despite the tough conditions. He said that “there are clearly signs of decline but we are nowhere near the lows seen in 2009 when the market deteriorated at a drastically faster rate than we are seeing today.”

“Employers are still hiring and using temps in large numbers; however, they are starting the year on a cautious note and are taking their time to make workforce decisions. The quicker the Eurozone sovereign debt crisis is resolved and we get some economic visibility, the better it will be for employer confidence and the UK jobs market.”

Whilst sectors such as engineering, technology and IT were reported to be performing well and remaining strong, Bernard Brown of KPMG comments said that it was “a huge concern to see temporary placements falling in tandem with permanent employment opportunities.” He said that “the decline in temporary roles is a clear indication that businesses are too nervous to even make short-term commitments” which does not inspire hope for the year ahead.

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