Positive end to 2012 with record fall in unemployment

It might be clichéd to say, but figures released this week from the Office for National Statistics are sure to bring good tidings to job seekers this Christmas, with the greatest quarterly fall in jobless figures since 2001.

A promising piece of news at last; largely due to a steady improvement in the jobs market over the past three months, as well as an overall increase in employer confidence.

The data is certainly encouraging for businesses, reflected in a slow but sure narrowing of the gap between employer demand and supply both nationally and locally. Recent reports show that there are now more positions than candidates available in the IT sector, which is something that we have experienced first hand here at ACR. Last month, we launched a recruitment drive in response to record rises in the number of IT roles available locally, holding a dedicated open day at our offices to identify suitable candidates with the right skills.

Also relevant to our own work in Peterborough was the statement made by the REC’s chief executive Kevin Green, who stressed the importance of temporary and part-time workers in contributing to the recent economic development. To echo this, I - along with the rest of the team - have always recognised the need for flexible working hours for both clients and candidates. This is why we have staff dedicated solely to temporary and interim placements, with demand continuing to grow.

As 2013 approaches, we’ll be working harder than ever to support and contribute to this growth locally. We certainly believe the overall findings of the latest national figures are reflected here in Peterborough and hope the positivity generated helps push the local economy forward into the New Year and beyond.