Accounting and finance workers in demand in June, report shows

Workers in the accounting and finance sectors were among the most in demand for permanent staff in the UK in June, according to the REC/Markit Report on Jobs.
Accounting and finance jobs received an index rating of 64.0 in June, up from 59.0 in the same month last year, placing the sector second in the rankings compared to third place in 2016.
Fastest
The report also showed that businesses are offering higher salaries to attract talent, with starting salaries rising at their fastest pace in a year and a half, whilst hourly pay rates were also found to have increased since May.
Demand for permanent staff increased across all sectors last month, with the number of jobs in the private and public sectors rising. Data also showed an increase in temporary job roles in the private sector, whilst the public sector saw strong growth in permanent jobs.
Opportunities
Commenting on the report, Tom Hadley, REC director of policy, stated that with not as many people looking for jobs, employers are having to increase starting salaries to secure the talent they need. He added that this is creating great opportunities for people with in-demand skills who are prepared to change jobs, but that it is also putting unsustainable pressure on many businesses.
“Existing skills shortages are being exacerbated by Brexit. For example, demand for accountants and other financial roles has increased recently as organisations try to protect themselves against economic uncertainty. London alone employs almost 200,000 EU nationals* in these roles. Policies which make it more difficult to recruit and retain these people will put business growth at risk,” he said.
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