The latest statistics on recruitment have shown that permanent role levels dropped in December for the third month in a row.
However, the research released by the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) in conjunction with KPMG found that 71 per cent of employers do anticipate increasing their staff numbers in 2012.
Kevin Green, the REC's chief executive, summed up the results in a statement cited by HR Magazine. He said: "The report highlights a third month of contraction in permanent placements and a reduction in the use of temps for the first time in more than two years. While the jobs market is tough it remains resilient and is functioning well.
"The sector analysis shows that some sectors remain strong... Overall, the cautiousness in hiring seems to be driven by a lack of confidence in the wider economic situation than a significant downturn in demand."
Implying that the desire is there for growth but it is financial matters that are getting in the way at least shows that there is hope that more roles could be created in the coming months. Green also suggested that as the Eurozone crisis improves, confidence may grow amongst UK businesses; thus potentially leading to increased demand for staff.
The executive went on to give his estimations for unemployment in the coming year, according to Ft.com. He revealed that by autumn, he believes unemployment will peak at 2.75 million people.