Employment for both permanent and temporary staff in Britain grew at its fastest pace in three months in November, though pay growth remained weak, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation said on Wednesday.
The survey, which measures the activity of the recruitment agencies that make up the REC, showed a modest recovery in hiring after a sharp slowdown in recent months.
The permanent placements index rose to 55.2 in November from 52.6 in October, hitting its highest since August. November's temporary staff billings index also hit a three-month high, increasing to 53.5 from 51.6. Readings above 50 indicate expansion, and those below mean contraction.
"This is very encouraging news, with the data suggesting that a turning point for the UK jobs market may have been reached as employers across the board are recruiting more people," said Bernard Brown, a partner at accountants KPMG, who sponsor the survey.
The REC said there were shortages of chefs, truck drivers, engineers and IT workers.
"Whilst government cuts are yet to bite hard in the public sector, the private sector shows resilience," Brown said. "It remains to be seen whether this trend will continue -- but if it does, it would suggest that some of the large scale unemployment worries may not materialise."
British unemployment rose less than in many other countries during the recession, and in October benefit claims unexpectedly fell.
Reporting by David Milliken
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