**Employers Cautious about Hiring New Staff, Report Finds**
A new report indicates that employers are showing reluctance in hiring new staff, leading to a decline in the number of jobseekers being placed in jobs by recruiters. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) states that employers are still cautious about the economic future. The REC’s survey of numerous recruitment agencies reveals a continuous decrease in the placement of candidates in permanent positions over the past two years.
The report highlights a significant drop in permanent job vacancies, particularly in sectors like retail, while there has been an increase in nursing and medical care positions. The availability of staff has risen due to an increase in redundancies and reduced demand for workers. Neil Carberry, the chief executive of REC, mentions that the job market is in a state of anticipation with projects ready to start but lacking the necessary confidence to proceed.
Carberry notes that permanent job opportunities decreased in September, albeit at a slower rate than the previous month, while temporary hiring markets showed more resilience with growth in some areas. Private sector vacancies have remained steady, indicating that businesses are maintaining their current positions. Additionally, there has been a moderation in pay, falling below its usual trend.
The current scenario suggests that the job market is waiting for a boost in confidence to spur hiring activities. Employers are cautious amidst economic uncertainties, impacting recruitment decisions. Overall, the report paints a picture of a job market in a holding pattern, awaiting a positive signal to drive recruitment and job creation efforts.