UK firms are hiring despite recession

The companies are recruiting specific talent, such as strategic consultants, sales managers and new business people to help their organisations ride out the recession.

A report by online recruiter Jobsite.co.uk said that 53 per cent of the companies surveyed are still hiring, with the majority of hires (80 per cent) in the shape of permanent, full-time staff.

The most sought after talent are sales managers (27 per cent) to help the company bring in more revenue, new business staff (22 per cent) to attract more clients and officer managers (19 per cent) to maximise business efficiency.

"For those looking to hire, it's likely that they'll get a quality recruit for less than they would have pre-recession, as candidates have adopted a more flexible approach to finding work. This includes a reduction in salary, hours and bonus expectations, as well as a rise in those seeking temporary contracts," the report said.

The survey is based on the views of more than 4,000 employees and 500 HR managers from companies of different sizes.