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The Report on Jobs published today by the REC and KPMG provides the most comprehensive guide to the UK labour market drawing on original survey data from recruitment consultancies and employers.

Commenting on the latest survey results, Helen Reynolds, the REC's Acting Chief Executive Officer said: "With demand for staff rising at a robust rate, this month's Report on Jobs is a timely reminder of the huge benefits that flexible resourcing brings to employers and to the UK economy as a whole.

"Agency work has been high on the political agenda and it was encouraging to see the Government expressly recognise this contribution at the recent Labour Party Conference in Bournemouth.

"At the same time, it is crucial that the industry continues to work with Government agencies to stamp out the activities of rogue labour providers and that employers choose to work with recruiters that operate in an ethical and responsible manner, particularly when recruiting from abroad. Ensuing that the UK maintains a vibrant, flexible and modern labour market is key to meeting the ongoing demand for staff as highlighted in this month's Report."

Alan Nolan of KPMG said: "Surprisingly, there are no signs in the Report of any impact from the credit crunch - but then it is probably too early to look for any. The overall picture of a tight labour market remains, demand for staff is back on the increase compared to last month.

"The fact that wage pressures seem to be easing from their summer highs may be of some comfort to the Monetary Policy Committee. This month's interest rate decision is a tough one as the MPC weighs the available evidence that output growth is still too fast for comfort with the likely depressing effect of tighter credit conditions in coming months."

The Report on Jobs is available on annual subscription from NTC. For further details, please call 01491 418662 or email charlotte.shand@ntceconomics.com.