DEMAND for temporary professionals in the South East has fallen 21 per cent year on year to February, according to research from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo).

The data, provided by recruitment software company Innovantage, revealed that in addition to a dip in temporary roles, permanent vacancies have also fallen by 22 per cent. But demand for temporary professionals rose notably in the legal sector, with professional job availability growing by 18 per cent year on year to February.

Rina Durban, membership relations manager for the South East at APSCo, said: “After months of positive hiring sentiment across the South East, professional job availability in the temporary market has fallen markedly. Somewhat unsurprisingly, employers are exercising a significant degree of caution when it comes to permanent hiring activity as the government prepares to invoke Article 50 at the end of the month.

“Rising business overheads in the capital are also likely having an impact on demand for legal professionals, with a number of City firms relocating their back office and support staff to neighbouring regions to take advantage of the wealth of talent and numerous business benefits.”