There was a drop in both permanent and temporary staff placements during December, according to the members of the Forum of Professional Recruiters (FPR).

The research revealed that permanent placements fell by 20% in December but were still 12% higher than December 2006.  They were also 10% higher in the last quarter overall than they were in the last quarter of 2006.   

The numbers of temporary staff placements in December were 4.5% lower than November, but still 2% higher than December 2006. Total temps out working during the year were 4% higher than the total in 2006.