Uncertainty over the outlook weighs on recruitment activity in August.
The
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August survey data also signalled a further easing in vacancy growth, which slipped to an 18-month low. Total candidate numbers fell at a slightly softer, but still rapid pace, which combined with the increased cost of living led to further sharp increases in starting pay for both permanent and temporary staff.
The report is compiled by
Economic uncertainty weighs on recruitment plans
Overall vacancies expand at slowest rate for 18 months
August survey data pointed to a further slowdown in growth of vacancies. Though sharp by historical standards, the latest increase in demand for staff was the weakest seen for 18 months, with recruiters signalling softer rises in both permanent and temporary vacancies.
Softest increase in starting salaries since
Average starting salaries for permanent staff continued to rise rapidly in August, though the rate of inflation softened further from March's survey record. Notably the rate of salary growth was the softest seen for over a year. Temp wages meanwhile rose at a slightly sharper pace, albeit one that was the second-slowest since
Candidate availability falls at slightly weaker rate
The overall supply of candidates continued to fall sharply in August, with permanent worker availability deteriorating at a quicker pace than that seen for short-term staff. A generally tight labour market, fewer foreign workers and a reluctance to seek out new roles due to uncertainty weighed on staff supply. That said, the decline in total candidate numbers was the softest seen for 16 months.
Regional and Sector Variations
Stronger increases in permanent placements in
All four monitored English regions recorded marked increases in temp billings, with the quickest expansion seen in
Latest data signalled a further slowdown in vacancy growth across the private and public sectors in August. The steepest increase in demand was seen for private sector staff - with permanent and temporary positions rising at identically sharp (albeit slower) rates. The weakest increase in vacancies was once again signalled for short-term positions in the public sector, where growth eased to a 17-month low.
Nursing/Medical/Care topped the permanent staff demand league table in August, followed closely by
All ten monitored job categories recorded higher temporary vacancies midway through the third quarter. Nursing/Medical/Care signalled by far the steepest increase in demand for short-term workers, while Executive/Professional saw the weakest.
Summary of data:
Apr '22 May Jun Jul Aug
Recruitment industry indicators:
Permanent placements 59.8 59.2 54.8 53.1 53.3
Temporary/contract staff billings 59.8 58.3 58.2 57.7 56.4
Availability of Staff Index 34.6 35.0 34.1 39.7 40.2
Permanent staff 34.4 34.8 34.0 39.5 40.1
Temporary/contract staff 38.3 39.7 37.3 43.1 41.2
Salaries/Rates of Pay Indexes:
Permanent salaries 77.4 76.6 74.7 73.7 70.4
Temp/Contract pay rates 64.9 64.5 64.1 63.1 63.8
Report on Jobs Vacancies Index 71.1 71.0 67.7 64.8 62.4
Permanent staff 71.2 71.2 67.9 64.8 62.4
Temporary staff 69.4 66.7 64.9 64.4 62.1
Unless otherwise indicated, any reading above 50.0 signals an increase or growth on the previous month, below 50.0 indicates a decrease or contraction. The greater the divergence from 50.0, the greater the rate of change signalled by the index. Data are adjusted for seasonality.
Comments
Commenting on the latest survey results,
'Unsurprisingly, the economic uncertainty continues to impact all aspects of business as we come to the end of the summer. August's data show an increasingly challenging jobs market, both in the sharp decline in the supply of candidates and in the slowdown in recruitment which we have seen for the last few months. Despite these challenges, it's vital that investment in people continues. Businesses may be better able to weather the economic storm through sustained investment in upskilling the available workforce.'
'August was another month of growing placements across temporary and permanent roles. While the post-pandemic jobs rush is now abating, there were no real signs of a slowdown in employer demand. Indeed, reports from REC members suggest that any lowering of confidence in the market is driven primarily by candidates playing it safe, with the effect of further tightening the market. So it's no surprise that pay rates continue to rise, especially considering increasing inflation. In this market, hiring companies need to think hard about the right approach to getting the skills they need, working with professional recruiters.
'The big question is now about the sustainability of this positive position, as labour shortages damage growth and pay over the long term. Controlling inflation and a clear plan for growth are essential parts of making sure the
Contact
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chris.mostyn@kpmg.co.uk
Methodology
The
Survey responses are collected in the second half of each month and indicate the direction of change compared to the previous month. A diffusion index is calculated for each survey variable. The index is the sum of the percentage of 'higher' responses and half the percentage of 'unchanged' responses. The indices vary between 0 and 100, with a reading above 50 indicating an overall increase compared to the previous month, and below 50 an overall decrease. The indices are then seasonally adjusted.
Underlying survey data are not revised after publication, but seasonal adjustment factors may be revised from time to time as appropriate which will affect the seasonally adjusted data series.
For further information on the survey methodology, please contact economics@hismarkit.com.
Full reports and historical data from the
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