Finance jobs in the UK remained positive in March with permanent and temporary hiring continuing to grow, albeit at a slightly lower level than February's ten-month recorded high.

Data compiled by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) showed that permanent staff vacancies rose at the fastest pace since April last year. However, permanent/temporary staff billings from agencies rose at a pace slightly below that seen in February.

Chief executive of the REC Kevin Green said: "The report again highlights that the UK has a two-speed labor market with the private sector creating jobs as the public sector reduces employment."

Research published by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) revealed finance jobs in the UK increased for the third consecutive quarter during the first three months of 2011.

The latest CBI/PwC Financial Services Survey showed that companies now feel confidence is only slightly below normal, the best result for the index since September 2007.