We’re continually hearing gloomy predictions about UK economic growth and demand for contractors in many sectors has been decreasing recently.
However, that could be changing. The Reed recruitment agency has released the results of its October Jobs Index survey, which reveals the largest month on month increase in job opportunities for almost two years.
The accountancy, IT, marketing and sales sectors all saw impressive increases, and although public sector demand is still low, it increased by nine points in to end October with a reading of 66.
The Reed Job Index began in December 2009 and a baseline figure was set at 100. October’s reading was 129 indicating that demand has risen by 29% in the two-year period.
Demand in the voluntary sector increased by an impressive 43 points, whilst the IT sector rose by 24 points to end the month on 173. PAYE umbrella company contractors also saw 2.5% more temporary opportunities in October than they did in September.
Tim Lovell, Reed’s Group MD, said the October Jobs Index recorded the best month-on-month increase in employment vacancies since the index began, with all 12 UK areas witnessing at least some growth.
He went on to point out that the North/South divide that we hear so much about is not as clear cut as some would make out. Last month, there was particularly strong growth in opportunities for candidates in Yorkshire and Humberside and London.
Salaries remained pretty much unchanged in October and the Reed Salary Index now reads 97, indicating a 3% decrease since December 2009. However, the retail and leisure and tourism sectors did record increases – up to 116 and 102 respectively.
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