The latest IHS Markit Report on Jobs for Scotland is just out and, it's good news and reflects a strong recruitment market.
Scottish recruitment agencies signalled a sharp pace of growth in permanent staff placements in January. Meanwhile, billings received from the employment of temporary staff increased, following a modest decline in December.
However, a few dull spots were highlighted with the growth rate for demand for short-term staff, albeit strong, weakened markedly to a 17-month low. Also, Permanent staff vacancies also increased, but at a softer pace.
In terms of candidate availability, both temporary and permanent staff numbers contracted, albeit at slower rates. Increasing demand and a further reduction in candidate availability meant pay awarded to permanent starters rose substantially in January, although temp wage inflation has moderated to a 15-month low.
The expansionary trend in permanent staff placements in Scotland was sustained during January. In fact, the rate of growth quickened from that seen in December and was slightly above the UK average.
Following a modest contraction in December, temp billings increased in the latest survey period. However, the pace of expansion was modest and the weakest of all five monitored UK regions.
Growth in vacancies for both short-term and permanent staff at the UK level was stronger compared to that seen in Scotland and, the availability of candidates for permanent roles continued to deteriorate in January, as has been the case since March 2012.
So, overall it's still a strong market out there and, good candidates are harder to find. So, while the market is bouyant, recruiters need to show all their candidate sourcing and matching skills to keep ahead of the competition.
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