The British jobs market is getting better for the first time in over a year, according to the results of a major national survey.

According to the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC), permanent appointments during August marginally improved, providing hope to small businesses in IT and those working in IT support.

Kevin Green, the chief executive of REC, explained that the move is the first of its kind in 17 months.

He continued: "It seems that employers are becoming more confident in their hiring decisions with an increase in permanent recruitment and growth in temporary placements for the first time in over a year."

However, Mr Green warned that REC expects unemployment rises to continue until 2010 and as a result it is calling on the government to work effectively to limit the damage of this.

REC currently represents the UK's private recruitment and staffing industry, valued at £27 billion.

According to a recent survey by Connect, the two biggest IT headaches for businesses were 'everyday hassles with IT' (37 per cent) and 'security concerns' (32 per cent).