The UK's overall jobless rate has fallen very slightly, according to new statistics.

According to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 9,000 people more now have jobs than did at the beginning of July this year, which is good news for contractors.

The REC said that although this news is somewhat positive there is a long way to go yet, saying that the public sector job cuts are likely to take their toll in the next few months.

"The question now is whether the private sector can compensate for cuts in the public sector.

"This is still open to debate and we need to see less talk and more action from the government on stimulating jobs if we are to see a genuine recovery in the jobs market over
the coming year."

In related news, the latest REC Jobs Outlook showed that employers are preparing to take on more temporary staff over the next few months.