Bosses are looking to increase the number of temporary employees in their workforces over the short and medium term, it has been claimed.

Research conducted by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) suggested flexible working could offer jobseekers a stepping stone into permanent positions.

The UK study also indicated that while the UK labor market outlook remains mixed, options such as contract and temporary working can help individuals currently out of jobs.

A total of 85 per cent of employers polled stated they plan to boost or maintain the numbers of agency staff they have hired in the coming three months, up ten points on last month, while 94 per cent expected to increase or hold steady their permanent workforces, the same figure as September.

Commenting on the latest JobsOutlook, REC director of research Roger Tweedy said: "This demonstrates the important role of flexible working models as a vital resourcing option for UK businesses, as well as a way back into the labor market for jobseekers."

Latest data from the UK's Office for National Statistics showed the number of unemployed people fell over the three months to August by 20,000 to 2.45 million individuals.

Posted by Sarah Dixon