Professional staff hit by jobs fall

A study by the Association of Professional Staffing Companies showed a 7 per cent fall in May, leaving demand 21 per cent lower than a year ago.

Temporary vacancies for engineers defied the downturn, rising by 6 per cent.

Ann Swain, the association’s chief executive, said:“The economy has barely moved over the past 18 months which, combined with the on-off nature of the eurozone crisis, makes it very difficult for employers to commit to hiring decisions.”