The UK jobs market has continued to decline, according to the latest report on jobs.

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and KPMG report shows that the number of permanent placements fell for an eighth consecutive month in November, with the rate of contraction accelerating to a new survey record.

The demand for both permanent and temporary staff fell at the fastest rates recorded by the survey to date. Only the Nursing/Medical/Care sector is now avoiding the downturn.

The number of candidates on the market also increased at survey record levels, while rates of pay for both permanent and temporary staff fell for a consecutive month in November.

Kevin Green, chief executive of the REC, says: “These figures confirm that the jobs market has hit the wall. While public sector, contracting and interim are faring slightly better, it’s now clear the government must not remove the VAT concession on temporary work planned for April as this will destroy jobs when we can least afford it.”