1Hiring of permanent staff via UK recruitment firms rose at its slowest pace in six months in March, with the growing employer unease over the UK approaching EU referendum, according to a survey today. Companies preferred to hire temporary staff at the fastest rate since November, according to the latest monthly report from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation. "Global economic headwinds plus uncertainty around a possible Brexit make it likely that slower growth in permanent hiring will remain over the next few months as employers take a wait-and-see approach," Reuters quoted REC director of policy Tom Hadley. "In contrast, temporary hiring is on the up as businesses seek to meet increasing demand while retaining the ability to react quickly to any threats that might be around the corner." Growth in starting salaries for both permanent and temporary staff was up for a second month during March, which the REC linked to the imminent introduction of a new, higher minimum wage.

Source: The Guardian February 08, 2024 14:57 UTC