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Employment figures good news but rising long-term unemployment must be addressed - REC

Commenting on the latest Labour Market Statistics released today by the Office for National Statistics, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation’s Director of Policy and Professional Services Tom Hadley says:

“Today’s figures are good news and are further evidence that it is possible for the private sector to compensate for public sector job losses. However, we still need to be cautious. Tens of thousands of university, school and college leavers will be entering the job market over the summer and our latest data from recruiters shows hiring activity is slowing. The UK is making gradual progress out of recession and is likely to experience a zigzag pattern with some good months followed by weaker ones – rather than sustained periods of uninterrupted jobs growth.

“The increase in long-term unemployment is a real concern which must be addressed immediately. Prevention is the best cure and now is the time to open a proper debate about providing earlier support and guidance for job-seekers, rather than waiting for 12 months. A cost-effective option for government would be to tap into the expertise that already exists within recruitment agencies all around the UK who could be drafted in to provide targeted support and advice.”

Ends

Notes to Editors

1. Table 9 (1) in today’s statistical release shows that there has been an increase in those aged 16-64 who have been unemployed for 12 months or more (up by 4,000), and in those who have been unemployed for 24 months of more (up by 22,000.)

2. The latest REC/KPMG Report on Jobs published on 9th July 2012 showed that permanent and temporary appointments both declined at sharpest rates since July 2009 in the preceding month: www.rec.uk.com/press/news/2151

3. For more information, contact Liz Banks, Head of External Communications 020 7009 2157, liz.banks@rec.uk.com or the REC Press Office, 0845 3700655.

4. The Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) is the professional body for the recruitment industry. The REC represents 3,776 corporate members who have branches across all regions of the UK. In addition, the REC represents 6,000 individual members within the Institute of Recruitment Professionals (IRP). All members must abide by a Code of Professional Practice. Above all, the REC is committed to raising standards and highlighting excellence throughout the recruitment industry