More vacancies, but jobs hunt is getting tougher

RECRUITMENT firms have reported a modest increase in job opportunities, but more people are chasing each vacancy.

Research among 400 consultancies showed yesterday that permanent appointments increased for the first time in four months during January, although there was a fall in temporary jobs.

Engineers and construction workers were most in demand, compared with fewer positions for hotel and catering staff, according to the report by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and KPMG.

Kevin Green, chief executive of the REC, said: “This month’s report highlights that there are glimmers of hope for the UK jobs market with permanent placements increasing for the first time in four months. This is the first positive indicator that employers are looking to hire despite the weakness of the economy.”