Members of the Forum of Professional Recruiters (FPR) have reported an increase in the number of permanent placements made in March.

Members also reported a rise in the total of temporary placements made in the month.

FPR secretary Leslie Waters told Recruiter: "While the actual number of permanent placements rose by 16% over February, the results in total for the first quarter of 2007 were less than 1% up on the previous quarter. In fact, March placements were 13% down on last March and 6% down on the corresponding quarter of last year.

"Temps fared much better, up to an all time high, rising by 3% over February and 3% higher than March last year," he added.

The FPR is a trade association made up of 23 leading recruitment firms operating across the UK's professional staffing sector.