UK job vacancies rising at fastest rate in 15 years

The job vacancies index climbed to the highest level since 1998 in November

Demand for new staff increased at the fastest pace in 15 years in November, according to a new survey from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation and consultancy KPMG.

The job vacancies index climbed to the highest level since July1998, signalling a strong demand for engineers, nurses and care workers in November.

The survey's pay index also showed an increase in wage growth for permanent employees at 59.7, up from 57.6 in October, the highest in six years.

However, the report highlighted that, while demand for staff is increasing, the availability of potential employees to fill up permanent and temporary positions, continued to fall in November.

The heath of the labour market has become a crucial indicator for the Bank of England's monetary policy.

The Bank has signalled that it will keep rates at a record low of 0.5 per cent until unemployment falls below 7 per cent.