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.”

Source: The Recruitment and Employment Federation, 18th July 2012