Unemployment reaches slow rate in May

17:18 5th June 2009

A slow-down in the rate of unemployment in the UK during May produced the healthiest figure for eight months, according to a new report.

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and KPMG Report on Jobs found that the demand for temporary staff remained relatively static or even rose as unemployment slowed.

Tom Hadley, director of external affairs at the REC, said that the figures suggest jobs are available for those who seek them, although the market remains extremely competitive and unemployment rates are unlikely to have bottomed.

Mr Hadley said: "It's true that in the current market there might be more opportunities in the temporary or contract markets than in the permanent side, but if you are a jobseeker out there you're going to have to be aware that there are opportunities."

People who seek IT training to improve their skills sets could find they have a competitive edge when they submit applications.

The level of unemployment in the UK showed the highest quarterly rise in nearly 30 years between the end of 2008 and the start of 2009.