UK’s labour market continues to remain under strain with overall vacancies among British businesses growing at the slowest pace in over 10 years during November. REC’s index measuring demand for staff among British employers declined to 51.4 in November from 51.6 in October, but remained above the 50-threashold marking expansion.

Political uncertainties driven by the upcoming general elections and uncertainties surrounding Brexit are driving down the demand for permanent staff even as temporary billings registered only a slight uptick in November. Most businesses are either cancelling or delaying their hiring plans until some clarity emerges on how Brexit will pan out.

According to REC’s report, permanent job placements declined for the ninth consecutive month during November, in line with official employment figures published by the government. Meanwhile, starting salaries for permanent staff increased at the slowest pace in nearly three years during the period.