Recruitment hits record low

Demand for both permanent and temporary staff has plummeted to a record low, a comprehensive report revealed today.

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and KPMG Report on Jobs showed that last month saw the smallest number of appointments since the survey began in 1998.

Almost six in 10 employers said permanent recruitment had fallen, while just 14% noted a rise in placements. Almost half of respondents noted a fall in the use of temporary staff.

Kevin Green, chief executive of recruiters' body the REC, said: "These figures confirm that the jobs market has hit the wall."

Mike Stevens, head of business services at accountancy KPMG, added: "This latest survey leaves no doubt that the UK jobs market is now heading downhill at breakneck speed."