Jobs market "in good health"

New statistics indicate the UK jobs market is currently healthy, onrec.com has reported.

Figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show an increase in people in employment despite the credit crunch.

A "modest" increase in unemployment levels and people who are not economically active was recorded, as was a five per cent drop in job vacancy numbers since the previous quarter.

A fall in salaries was blamed of the recent inflation rises.

Nevertheless, Gerwyn Davies, public policy adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) suggested the figures showed good news.

"Yet again, the jobs figures continue to defy the woes experienced by the rest of the economy, which will provide some comfort to the government and reassure the Bank of England that pay rises still pose little threat to inflation," he said.

London recruiters and those elsewhere are still trying to hold on to talent, he added.

However, Mr Davies warned the statistics did not include recent redundancies and those expected in the future.

The CIPD is a professional body working with the people management and development sector.

Search the latest accountancy jobs from Witan Jardine.