Job vacancies in the IT sector have risen again in August, as recruiters face increasing difficulty filling vacancies.
The seasonally adjusted index measuring permanent vacancies in the sector, published by KPMG and the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), rose to 64.4.
This was an increase from the 62.8 measured in July, and ahead of the UK average of 63.7.
On the other hand, the index for short-term IT staff fell from 59.1 in July to 58.7. This figure was below the UK average for temp staff at 60.5.
Heath Jackson, partner in the CIO Advisory practice at KPMG, said: "There was no respite for recruiters in August, who were left struggling to fill vacancies after a vast swathe of Britain’s job seekers appeared to take the summer off.
"Many candidates may have simply shelved their plans for the summer, believing their prospects to be stronger in September. However, this is of little comfort to those businesses needing staff now to meet demand for their goods and services.
"With candidates having their pick of the job market, companies need to offer more than just cash. In order to attract and retain the best people, businesses need to offer a bespoke package of benefits, including flexible working, which can be tailored to suit the individual and their priorities and commitments."
REC Chief Executive Kevin Green said: "In response to worsening skills shortages, employers are focussing on retaining the staff they have and this will promote wage growth. Better investment in training and motivating the current workforce should also help to improve productivity."
