Record fall in number of job vacancies

The number of jobs advertised declined at a record level in November, according to figures from Markit Economics.

The data showed the biggest drop in both permanent and temporary positions in the survey's 11-year history and provided further evidence of the weakening economy. The only sector to buck the trend was nursing and medical care.

"The UK jobs market is heading downhill at breakneck speed," said Mike Stevens at KPMG, a sponsor of the survey. "Employers in almost all sectors have drastically cut recruitment plans and are shedding contract and temporary staff as fast as they can."

It also revealed record falls in both permanent salaries and temporary wage rates.