MNI BRIEF: Lockdown Weighs On UK Hiring Decisions In Feb

The UK jobs market is on hold with people reluctant to search for new positions and temp billings slower, James Stewart, Vice Chair at KPMG said Friday, although he noted the current lockdown did not see the same sharp drops in vacancies or hiring seen during the first national lockdown.

Permanent placements declined again in February, according to the REC-KMPG employment survey, although at a slower pace than in January. Temporary billings slowed to a 7-month low. Subdued labour market conditions led to another fall in starting salaries, although at a slower pace.

"With the Covid roadmap to recovery in place and the Chancellor's Budget announcement to further support businesses and individuals, there is reason for optimism for the UK's future workforce," Stewart noted.