REC says the UK is facing a skills shortage

A survey carried out by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) revealed the jobs market grew at its fastest rate for three months in November. Recent months saw the UK job market remain at a loss, however the latest report from the REC revealed a rise in both temporary and permanent job placements.

But the REC warned this boost in jobs also showed a skills shortage across many areas. REC chief executive, Kevin Green said: “As the jobs market grows, skills and talent shortages are starting to emerge. Our members have identified specific job categories that are already in short supply, including HGV drivers, engineers, IT specialists and chefs.”

Mr Green added that the changes to the immigration policy would only make things worse. He said: “We need to build pipelines into growth sectors through better support and guidance to job-seekers and a targeted skills agenda.”

With unemployment remaining low as a whole following the economic crisis, Mr Green said the report at least revealed hope among the private sector: “The jobs market remains fragile – especially in the light of the public sector squeeze – but confidence does seem to be returning among private sector employers.”

How many of the UK's Public Sector Recruitment Agencies will survive 2011

Recruitment in the Public Sector is set to be hit particularly hard over the next couple of years as Government cuts really bite. As a result Recruiters servicing this sector are in for a very rough ride in the next few years.

With this in mind, market analysts Plimsoll have looked at how prepared each of the UK's 298 Public Sector Recruitment Agencies are for a difficult 2011. We looked at how each agency is currently performing and how resilient they will be in the face of a massive downturn in their market. Here's what they found:

- 75 are rated as Strong and are best placed to come through the next few years in tact

- 58 others are in dire trouble already and will be the first to fail when demand slows

- A marked fall in demand will accelerate consolidation in the market with
96 agencies exposed to takeover

Click here to see how Plimsoll's latest report will show you which UK Public Sector Recruiters could disappear in 2011 and who is set to survive