A new study has highlighted the need for people to develop skills in order to make themselves more desirable candidates for potential employers.
A new study published by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation and KPMG Report on Jobs has highlighted the need for individuals to enhance their skill set in order to make themselves more appealing to potential employers.
The report, which covers November, highlights a continuation of the recent sharp downward trend in worker appointments as the wider economy feels the ongoing effects of the global credit crunch.
Permanent placements saw a decline for an eighth successive month during the 30-day period, with the rate of contraction increasing to a new record.
In addition, anecdotal evidence suggests many companies have placed recruitment schemes on hold as a result of the economic slowdown.
Candidate availability rose to record levels in November in both the temporary and permanent segments, highlighting the need for candidates to make themselves as appealing as possible to potential bosses in order to stand out.
Meanwhile, Mike Stevens, partner and head of business services at KPMG, states that it is not just potential employees that may have to carry out a re-examination of their circumstances in order to make the most of the current situation.
He comments: "Businesses which can rely on the continued solvency of their customers may need to reassess their business model if they are to retain the skilled workforce which can ensure they prosper when our economy eventually recovers."
In recent days, Steven Kirkpatrick, managing director of human resource solutions company Adecco, suggested that no matter how competitive the job market is, those people who have the skills most sought after by employees will be able to find new positions.
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