The number of new permanent placements rose at its weakest rate for 22 months in June, according to the latest ‘Report on Jobs’ from the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC).

The report reveals slower increases in both permanent staff placements and temporary/contract staff billings during June, with the month’s growth at its least marked for 22 and eight months respectively. 

The report also shows a further softening of demand for staff in June with permanent staff vacancies rising at its slowest pace in six months, while short-term staff vacancies increased at the weakest rate since November 2010. 

Staff availability showed a further moderate improvement in June. Faster rates of growth were recorded for both permanent and temporary/contract candidate availability.  

REC chief executive Kevin Green says: “Jobs growth has slowed to a 22-month low but we remain optimistic that the private sector can absorb public sector cuts. Although there has been a deceleration in the rate of growth, the UK jobs market is resilient and we are not expecting a double dip in employment.

“Recruitment consultants reported an overall increase in the number of people placed into permanent jobs in June. This ties in with last month’s official jobs figures and means that we have now seen 23 months of continued expansion in permanent job placements.”