APSCo research shows increase in permanent job vacancies

Research from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) has shown an increase in the number of permanent vacancies in the UK.

The data showed that permanent vacancies for professional jobs increased by 1 per cent in May 2017, whilst permanent roles in finance and engineering increased by 7 per cent and 5 per cent respectively.

Salaries

Median salaries across all professional sectors were found to have increased by 1.5 per cent last month. Salaries in the financial services sector increased by 4.1 per cent, whilst the engineering and IT sectors saw an increase of 1.8 per cent and 0.5 per cent respectively.

The increase in permanent vacancies comes after figures released by the Office for National Statistics this month showed that the UK’s employment rate remains at a record high at 74.8 per cent.

Shift

APSCo Chief Executive Ann Swain commented that the shift in the ratio of contract assignments to permanent hires reveals tightening skills shortages as businesses aim to shore up future talent streams.

She said that recent data from Lloyds shows that over half of British businesses are presently finding it difficult to recruit the staff that they require, and it is unsurprising that they appear to be concentrating on permanent hires.

She added that the fact that average salaries have again risen is indicative of the market at the moment, with businesses prepared to invest in attracting sought-after expertise and skills.