Jobseekers have more opportunities to find work despite a fragile labour market.

The Confederation of British Industry reports there have been increases in employment during September, however the growth was subdued compared with the buoyant levels seen before the downturn.

The report reveals recruitment consultants claimed that permanent staff salaries fell at the slowest pace in the current twelve-month period of decline.

Kevin Green, the REC's Chief Executive says:“More good news on the jobs market as recruiters report a rise in both permanent and temporary placements for the second consecutive month. However, the labour market is still very fragile and we are concerned that recovery from this recession might be 'jobs light'.

"One of the reasons for this is that employers have retained more staff during this recession than previously. This labour hoarding means companies will be able to respond to increases in demand without hiring new employees. This could be bad news for the nearly one million young people under 24 currently without work."

Bernard Brown, KPMG Partner and Head of Business Services added: "The latest report brings more encouraging news for the UK jobs market. After declining for 16 months in a row, the number of people placed in permanent jobs has risen for the second consecutive month. This provides further evidence that the bottom of the economic cycle has been reached.

"However, the prospect of a twin-track economy looms ever larger. While the private sector recovers, large-scale job losses in the public sector become ever more likely as the government finally tackles the huge budget deficit."