November saw a rise in both permanent and temporary vacancies, according to the latest KPMG/REC Report on Jobs.

The report reveals rates of expansion for permanent placements and temp billings were at three-month highs in November.

Recruiters also indicated another increase in overall job vacancies during November, although the latest rise was the slowest for just over a year, while further rises in both permanent and temp staff pay were recorded in November.

Meanwhile staff availability to fill job vacancies continued to rise in November, with the latest increases in permanent and temp staff availability hitting its strongest levels in eight and 11 months respectively.

Kevin Green, chief executive of the REC, says: “The latest data shows stronger rises in both permanent and temporary placements in November. This is an improvement following a sustained slowdown in growth since April. The jobs market remains fragile – especially in light of the public sector squeeze – but confidence does seem to be returning amongst private sector employers.

“As the jobs market grows, skills and talent shortages are starting to emerge. Our members have identified specific job categories that are already in short supply, including HGV drivers, engineers, IT specialists and chefs. Changes to immigration policy could exacerbate these shortages in the short term, so we need to build pipelines into growth sectors through better support and guidance to jobseekers and a targeted skills agenda.”