Key points

• Permanent placements up at fastest rate in six months
• Surge in demand for permanent staff continues
• Permanent salary inflation outpacing growth in contract pay rates

Growth in permanent placements hits six-month high
March showed a sharp and accelerated increase in the number of IT staff placed in permanent positions by our London office, and one that was the fastest in six months.  Moreover, the rise in permanent appointments in the capital was slightly sharper than the UK-wide average.

Upturn in contract billings continues
March also showed a further rise in contract billings in London.  Although growth eased from February’s recent peak to the slowest in four months, it was nevertheless sharp in the context of historical data and faster than across the UK as a whole.

Staff Availability
Our IT consultants in London recorded a further decrease in permanent candidate numbers in March, extending the current sequence of decline to ten months.  Furthermore, the rate of contraction picked up since February and was sharp.

Contractor candidate numbers also decreased at a faster rate in March.  In fact, the degree to which contract candidate supply deteriorated was the most marked since July 2007.

Remuneration
Permanent starting salaries in London increased in March, continuing the trend observed by our consultants in each of the past ten months.

Contractor rates also increased in March, but the pace of inflation eased since February, to the weakest in nine months.  The capital was also outperformed by the UK as a whole on this front for the first time since last November.

About Langley James
Langley James was founded in 1999 by James Toovey, a highly respected recruitment industry professional.  James wanted to provide something unique: a bespoke recruitment service which was founded on service excellence.  With offices in London and Manchester, we are now providing our recruitment services throughout the world and over the last 15 years have worked with some of the most respected companies in the world.

To find out why so many companies turn to Langley James for support in fulfilling their IT recruitment needs, call and speak to one of our specialist consultants today on 0845 124 9555.