Public sector employment rose by 13,000 in the second quarter of the year, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics. In comparison, employment in the private sector fell by 230,000.

But despite fears of cutbacks in the public sector, recruiters say there are no signs that the market is about to implode. 

Noorzaman Rashid, director of government & public services at Harvey Nash, told Recruiter that while the company had seen a reduction in recruitment overall, there was now “a bit more confidence” in the market.

“Clients are now talking to consultants about positions that they have previously held off filling,” he says. 

Rashid says that in comparison, the commercial sector has been “a lot more adverse”.

Graeme McAllen, head of healthcare at public sector recruiter Core Connections, told Recruiterthat his company had seen no signs of a slowdown.  In fact, he says that compared with the second quarter, the company was expecting a 360% increase in business during the third quarter, ending 30 September.

McAllen says that healthcare had seen the highest growth, although social care and education had also increased. The company’s business is split 80% temporary and 20%.

“We have had a very positive period,” says McAllen.