Page warns over pay as jobs boom

BRITAIN'S buoyant jobs market means higher wage inflation is just around the corner, leading employment agency Michael Page warned today.

But chief executive Terry Benson is still rubbing his hands with glee.

Two years ago, people were still uncertain about their jobs, he said, adding: 'Now people are more confident in terms of having a look around.

'More companies employing more people is always helpful. People moving around is even more helpful. If you put a bit of wage inflation on top, that is even better for us.'

Page revealed its overall revenue soared 19% to £53.5m in the third quarter, with the UK up 21.9%. The rise in the home market, about half the business, had been across all disciplines and widespread in geographic terms, Benson said.

The best news came from continental Europe, where revenue expanded 8.1% in the period, the first quarterly rise for three years.

Benson said he was encouraged that the pick-up in the three months to June continued after the holidays in September.

Elsewhere, Asia-Pacific revenue advanced 21.6%, while the Americas romped ahead 60.6%