The majority of key recruitment sectors are now experiencing reduced demand from employers, according to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation.

Commenting on figures revealing that unemployment has risen by 137,000 to 1.86m, Kevin Green, chief executive, says: “The feedback from professional recruiters confirms that there is a tightening in demand from employers in most key sectors. At the same time, it is important to note that there are still opportunities out there. We estimate there are currently 300,000 unfilled vacancies; however, these are becoming harder to access in an increasingly competitive jobs market.

“Some sectors are proving more resilient to the downturn including healthcare, specific areas within IT and higher end interim jobs.”
 

“Agencies are seeing more people walk through the door, including highly skilled workers looking for new opportunities following recent redundancies. Recruitment professionals will face major challenges in 2009 and will be on the frontline of helping the growing number of jobseekers get back into work and review their career options.”