Job market 'showing signs of recovery'

Reports out this week suggest the jobs market is showing tentative signs of recovery, however one expert has warned this is not a sign the government can lessen its focus on tackling unemployment.

Latest figures from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation and KPMG showed that there were marginal increases in both permanent and temporary staff appointments during August, which is good news for career development.

In addition, Manpower's Employment Outlook Survey revealed that employers are showing better hiring plans for the first time in three years as hiring confidence starts to return in certain industry sectors and regions.

Despite these positive reports the TUC has urged the government not to relax its focus on tackling unemployment in the UK.

Brendan Barber, Trade Union Congress general secretary, said that the reports do not detract from the fact the unemployment will continue long into 2010.

"Tentative green shoots must not be used as an excuse for inaction or going back to business as usual, as some in the city will want. Tackling unemployment must remain the government's number one priority," he added.