New survey shows a record fall in job placements last month

The UK job market weakened rapidly last month, as permanent placements dropped at a record rate, new data has showed.

The fall in permanent and temporary placements was more rapid than at any point in the 11-year history of Markit Economics' regular monthly survey.

Permanent employment places declined for the eighth consecutive month, and record falls were noted in permanent salaries and pay rates for temporary staff.

The figures are indicative of a rise in unemployment, and are the latest evidence of the quickening decline of the UK economy.

The survey, sponsored by the Recruitment and Employment Federation and accountancy firm KPMG, features data collated from 400 UK recruitment and employment consultants.