There are tentative signs that the shipping sector may be on course for brighter times ahead, according to recruiters.

Latest Department for Transport figures show that freight traffic at UK ports fell by 5% over the year ending Q1 2009 compared with the previous year.

But Steve Wyeth, director at sdw Recruitment, told Recruiter that in the last month, shipping companies have seen an increase in volumes.

“From a recruitment point of view, there are not going to start recruiting because they have seen a month’s increase but over a period of three months or so, recruitment will start moving a bit more.”

Ian McKenzie, managing director at Ragged Edge Consulting, adds:“The first six months have been quiet but we are seeing signs of improvement. I think freight volumes are starting to improve. I do not believe it is going to pick up until after the summer.”