There was an increase in the pace of growth in the availability of staff and in temporary billings within the UK during October 2011, new data show.

However, according to statistics from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and KPMG for the month, there was a marginal decline in permanent placement from September.

Commenting on the figures, REC chief executive Kevin Green said: "The government must do more to help especially in encouraging small private sector employers to take on young people."

He added that some areas such as professional services such as HR and accountancy, technology and engineering jobs in the UK grew last month.

The monthly Report on Jobs comes as the REC revealed there has been a 25 per cent expansion in the UK's recruitment industry over the year to March 2011.

According to data from the body, the sector saw turnover climb by more than 25 per cent to just under £25 billion over the 12 months in question and the next four years are likely to see a single-digit rise to reach £30 billion in 2014-15.

Turnover in temporary and contract staffing recovered to 2006-07 levels in the wake of the recession, rising 24.1 per cent, while there was a 37 per cent jump in permanent recruitment over the year.

Posted by Alex Donnell