The latest JobsOutlook from the REC shows that optimism is returning to the jobs market as more companies report an increase in their hiring intentions.
The Confidence Index has now risen for three consecutive months and now stands at its highest level since April 2010. It seems that despite continued uncertainties, employers are getting ready to increase their hiring of both temporary and permanent staff.
25% of employers intend to take on more contractors in the next three months and 33% expect to add more temporary staff within the next twelve months.
17% of employers also plan to hire permanent staff in the coming three months and 24% intend to increase the size of their permanent workforce within the next twelve months.
Roger Tweedy, the director of research at the REC, said employers are realising that flexible working is a cost-effective measure during times of economic uncertainty.
Meanwhile, Jobsite reports that large companies are leading the job market recovery and IT is one of the best performing sectors. This should come as good news to IT contractors looking for a new position. The website saw a 47% month on month increase in the number of posted vacancies in February. IT vacancies rose by 0.7% last month and have now increased by 36.59% since February last year.
Finally, Astbury Marsden the financial services recruitment firm, reports that a large number of City staff are looking to change jobs.
Last month the recruiter received over 7,400 applications from people in London looking for a new position. This is a 47% increase on the 5,020 received in February last year.
The COO of Astbury Marsden, Mark Cameron, said most City banking staff now know what their bonus payment will be and this generally heralds the start of the recruiting season as investment bankers weigh up their career opportunities and salary expectations.
One reason why so many people are looking for a change could be that the banks are conscious of the public outcry regarding bonus payments, and although star traders will still be receiving lucrative bonuses, most City staff are feeling discontent with their award.
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