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Rate of decline in permanent jobs in June was the slowest for 13 months

Job conditions were worse in June than in previous months - but the rate of decline is slowing down and placement levels are as high as they were this time last year.

According to The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and KPMG report on jobs, the rate of decline in permanent jobs recorded in June was the slowest for 13 months and temporary and contract placement billings declined at the slowest rate since September 2008.

Job vacancies also continued to decline, but at the slowest rate for nine months and although salaries are dropping on average, the decline is at the slowest rate for six months.

The number of staff availability for permanent jobs is increasing in line with the decline in vacancies, but at the slowest rate in nine months.

Kevin Green, chief executive of the REC, said: "The UK jobs market shows signs of life. June had the best performance in the placement of permanent staff for a year. While the public sector continued to recruit, it is now critical demand returns to the private sector to negate the potential public expenditure constraints we are likely to see over the next few years which could in turn could hinder a full recovery of the UK jobs market."