A shortage of workers could put the UK's engineering reputation at risk, according to a report published today.

The Markit/ REC Report on Jobs showed growth in permanent staff placements across the UK job market slowed to its weakest level for seven months in April. By contrast, temporary jobs increased at their quickest pace this year.

It's thought uncertainty over the economy following Brexit is putting people off changing jobs, while EU nationals are more reluctant to take up posts in the UK.

REC Chief Executive Kevin Green says: "Demand for staff is growing within all sectors and all regions of the UK, but there are fewer and fewer people available to fill the vacancies. We have the lowest unemployment rate since 2005, and people already in work are becoming more hesitant about moving jobs amid Brexit uncertainty. Meanwhile, the weakening pound and lack of clarity about future immigration rules is putting off some EU nationals from taking up roles in the UK.

"As a result, candidate availability is at a 16-month low and recruiters are flagging a shortage of suitable applicants for more than 60 different roles from cleaner to accountant. Every shortage has wider implications, for example the exceptional reputation UK engineering enjoys globally is at risk because employers can't find people with the skills they need."

The availability of both temporary and permanent candidates declined at their fastest pace in April for 16 months. Unsurprisingly, vacancies continued to rise for both permanent and temporary staff, particularly in the private sector.

Engineering was the most in-demand category for permanent staff in April, followed by IT and nursing/ care. Nursing/ care topped the table for temporary workers, followed by hotels/ catering.

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