Jobs market confidence boosts contract hiring

Hiring activity rose sharply for contract workers in April as more of the economy continued to reopen and created stronger market confidence.

The latest Report on Jobs from KPMG and REC found that temp billings growth remained historically strong and pay growth improved to its best for a year-and-a-half.

Neil Carberry, Chief Executive of the REC, commented, “The jobs market is improving at one of the fastest rates we have ever seen, and that’s great news. We are bouncing back from a record low – and many people are still struggling – but the data shows that job creation is firing up again.

“This month’s numbers for permanent hiring are the best we’ve seen since the survey started in 1997. Temporary hiring has chalked up its ninth straight month of growth, demonstrating again how important temporary agency work is to getting families and businesses back on their feet.”

Claire Warnes, Partner and Head of Education, Skills and Productivity at KPMG UK, added, “There’s a lot to feel positive about this month, with the easing of lockdown improving business confidence in the economy and in turn driving a sharp rise in recruitment.

“However, it’s concerning that we’re seeing a drop in candidate supply due in part to applicants needing support to adapt their skills to move from displaced sectors to those where there is more demand, such as health and care, and because the furlough scheme has reduced the pool of workers.”

To find out more about contracting please contact Sophie on 01206 591 000 or email sophie.lewis@contractoumbrella.com.