REC Chief Executive Neil Carberry, said:

“The jobs market looks like it’s on its way back across the UK, with clear improvements over last month on most key measures in the North.

“Recruiters are noticing that candidates are more confident to put themselves forward now in the North and an increased willingness among candidates to accept temp roles in the region.

“There is potential energy stored in the economy, as employers are feeling more confident. Political certainty and falling interest rates should add to lower inflation and help this turn into movement over the course of the rest of the year. REC members report that clients are ready to hire, but hesitant. These numbers suggest that caution may be starting to abate.

“Pay growth remains strong, reflecting both settlements made by employers for their staff, but also the substantial National Minimum Wage rise in April.

“No attempt to drive growth will succeed without the next government addressing people issues within its first 100 days. This must include reform of the Apprenticeship Levy to cover high-quality, modular training, and a long-term cross-departmental strategy to tackle labour and skills shortages, owned by the Cabinet Office but delivered locally. As the specialists in jobs, recruiters are ready to help, whoever wins on July 4.”