Jobs growth but pipelines uncertain

Professional recruitment firms reported that overall vacancy numbers for permanent roles increased by 2% year-on-year in June 2017, while placements increased by 4% during the same period, according to new survey data from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo).

APSCo’s data, which focuses on professional recruitment, reveals notable variations between the trade association’s core sector groups in terms of hiring activity. While permanent vacancies across both finance and engineering, for example, have increased (by 8% and 4% respectively) permanent vacancies within IT slipped by 5%.

Vacancies for professional contractors decreased by 13% across the board year-on-year, with demand falling across every core sector group.

Placements outpace new vacancies

While demand for non-permanent staff dipped by 13% year-on-year in June, the number of contractors on assignment increased by 4% during the same period. This suggests that while the market is currently strong, there may be a slowdown on the horizon.

An increase in permanent placements in June (up 4% year-on-year) also outpaced new vacancies (up 2% year-on-year), further indicating future uncertainty.