The chief executive of one of the world’s largest recruitment companies is taking an optimistic view of the latest UK employment picture. The results of the three months to August show that unemployment in the country has increased to 5.5%.

But Zach Miles of Vedior says: "The UK’s record level of employment is testament to the success of the country’s labour market policies, which should be an example to many countries on the continent.

"The UK’s growth in employment of women and people over 50 is very encouraging. For many of them, the way to employment is through temporary contracts, as they enable work to be balanced with other commitments such as children or grandchildren.”

He adds that skilled immigrants have made a positive contribution to the UK’s labour market, and have helped make the country the most competitive economy in Europe.

Clearly, however, the government and business needs to continue working closely together to fill the...vacancies we still have," he says.