Job hunters found work by agencies rises for first time since June

The number of people placed in jobs by employment agencies has increased for the first time in three months.

Research among 400 employment consultancies suggested some employers have decided to start hiring staff after putting recruitment on hold.

Nursing, medical and care remained the most sought-after areas for permanent staff in August, ahead of engineering.

Construction was the only category where a decline in demand was reported, said the Recruitment and Employment Confederation.

Chief executive Kevin Green said: "The UK jobs market returned to pre-referendum patterns in August as the initial shock of the vote result subsided.

"Permanent hiring returned to growth as employers confirmed appointments that had been on hold or delayed in June and July. Starting salaries also improved, with employers having to offer more to attract candidates who might be reluctant to move jobs in the current climate.

"Despite this month's positive data, it is still too early to make conclusions about what impact the vote to leave the EU will have on the jobs market."

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