UK / Hiring at fastest rate since 1998 according to Markit employment index

British companies hired staff at the fastest rate in 16 years in February, as growth in orders and broader economic recovery fuelled confidence.

The Markit employment index, combining the latest PMI data from the services, manufacturing and construction sectors, rose to 56 in February from 55.7 in January. It was the highest since the combined series began in January 1998 after all three sectors of the economy continued to recover last month with a rise in new orders and output.

Chris Williamson, chief economist at Markit, said the record rise in jobs was the “most encouraging of all”.

Chosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor. Read the whole story at British companies hiring staff at fastest rate since 1998 | Business | theguardian.com.

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