A long-term decline in the number of permanent jobs in Britain is easing, a new survey suggests.
According to the study by KPMG, temporary jobs are also on the increase, for the first time since last Christmas.
Data taken from recruitment consultancies also indicates that the most sought-after workers are in the medical and care sectors.
But the study also warns that as the number of job candidates continues to climb, pay rates come under increasing pressure.
KPMG's Bernard Brown said: "With question marks still hanging over the long-term state of the economy, it would be easy to suggest that an upward curve in the jobs market is nothing more than a blip.
"But the truth is that, in some parts of the country, we are actually seeing a growth in the number of companies recruiting and where there is a decline it is now virtually insignificant.
"It may be slow, but perhaps we are witnessing the first signs of recovery. Temporary placements are also on the up, so the hope must be that employer confidence is returning, that they are looking to the long-term and recruiting for growth."
The study found that there was a small increase in starting salaries for people placed in permanent positions – the fourth in successive months.
Although London salaries showed a slight decline, pay offers in the North, South and Midlands were noted to be higher.
However, hourly rates for temporary and contract workers showed a fractional fall, believed to be driven by the "bargaining power" of employers as more people apply for vacancies.
Recruitment and Employment Confederation chief executive Kevin Green said: "This month's data shows yet again the remarkable level of resilience within the UK labour market as it continues to outperform predictions.
"The World Economic Forum highlighted that one of the UK's key competitive advantages is our job market flexibility, and it's clear that being one of the most flexible labour markets in Europe has helped the UK avoid the high levels of unemployment experienced elsewhere on the continent."
