The UK job market is growing at its quickest rate since July 2007, according to data released by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and KPMG.

Figures from last month showed that the job market enjoyed its sharpest growth in the number of permanent and temporary placements for two and a half years.

The number of staff appointments rose for the fifth month in a row in December, with demand for permanent and temporary or contract staff increasing at the strongest rates for 29 and 22 months respectively.

"As we head into 2010, the recovery of the UK jobs market is accelerating. Employer confidence is increasing and vacancies are on the up," said Kevin Green, chief executive of the REC.