Half of employers (50%) in the UK expressed concerns over the sufficient availability of candidates for permanent hire. This is 8% more than in the same period last year, according to the latest Jobs Outlook report from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation.

Employers who recruit temporary workers are also concerned with finding skilled workers as 66% are worried about the availability of candidates, this was up from 32% in the same period last year.

REC’s report found that the sectors that were of concern were roles in the public service areas of health and social care and education.

Despite concerns over finding the right skilled workers, 32% of employers are feeling more confident in the prospects of the UK economy. The report suggests confident employers want to grow but are held back from the lack of candidate availability.

“It is great to see that employers are feeling more confident in making hiring decisions within their businesses,” REC director of policy Tom Hadley said. “However there is a growing concern with the lack of candidates available for key roles, this is one of the biggest challenges facing the UK jobs market”.

“It is encouraging to see employers continue to feel more optimistic about the UK economy which has translates in to having a positive impact on hiring intentions for both permanent and temporary staff. We want the UK jobs market to remain a success story, but we must act now to address looming challenges that will impact on both demand and supply of staff,” Hadley said.