"We can see demand for staff rising to another record high in these figures, with vacancies in every sector now at or above pre-pandemic levels. Recruiters are placing more people into work than ever, and temporary workers are at their highest since 2016. But competition for staff is fierce. Our own figures for the month of September back up the ONS data showing salaries are on the rise, especially in sectors where shortages are most acute.
"The current shortage crises are driving a sugar rush in the labour market, but this cannot last forever. It's vital that government works with business to put policies in place that help deliver sustainable growth and drive up UK's productivity and prosperity levels. That means investing in skills, especially at lower levels, supporting younger people into work, and helping firms to compete internationally."
