RECRUITMENT of staff slowed ahead of the Budget amid speculation on tax rises and the finalising of the Employment Rights Bill, according to a report today.

The number of new job adverts last month fell by 14 per cent from October to 622,156, according to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC).

REC chief executive Neil Carberry said: “November was a unique month with businesses’ worries on the upcoming Employment Rights Bill compounded by rampant Budget speculation that worried firms.

“We can hope that this, along with the more pragmatic tone the government has struck on the Employment Rights Bill over the past month, will help get the hiring market moving again.”

Recruiters reported an increase in vacancies for leisure and theme park attendants, stock control clerks and public relations and communications directors.

There was a fall in demand for jobs including rail construction, stonemasons and plasterers, the report added.