UK labour market shows more recovery signs in September, KPMG/REC survey shows
EWU•A KPMG and REC survey found that permanent staff placements in Britain rose at their fastest pace in four years in September. The permanent placements index increased to 50.9 from 50.5 in August, while demand for staff contracted at its weakest pace since August 2024.
1. Hiring indicators improve
Britain’s labour market showed more signs of recovery in September, with permanent staff placements rising at their fastest pace in four years, a survey of recruitment firms by KPMG and the Recruitment and Employment Confederation showed. The permanent placements index rose to 50.9 from 50.5 in August; readings above 50 indicate growth.
2. Demand and pay trends
Permanent starting salaries increased at a slower pace than in August, while overall demand for staff contracted at its weakest pace since August 2024. Recruiters reported the highest demand for IT and computing, and engineering jobs, while retail and hospitality saw the sharpest falls in demand.
