Good news for job seekers! The prospects for the UK's employment market are good, with more businesses intending to hire additional workers in 2014.

According to a new survey by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), the long-term outlook for the jobs market is good as firms are keen to take on both permanent and temporary staff in the coming months.

Of the employers questioned by the REC, almost two-thirds (64 per cent) said they have plans to recruit more permanent employees in the next quarter. This is nine per cent higher than the proportion who planned to do so at this time last year.

More than half (56 per cent) of bosses intend to make more permanent hires in the next four to 12 months, which is also up on the 53 per cent who suggested they wanted to do this from January 2013.

Kevin Green, chief executive at the REC, said: "It's a bumper Christmas for the UK jobs market as employers indicate they intend to grow their workforces in 2014. This is good news for jobseekers. Compared to this time last year businesses are far more willing to commit to taking on more staff as they see demand for their products and services returning."

Small businesses seem to be the most confident of all about their recruitment prospects for 2014, while the areas in which candidate shortages are a possibility include driving, distribution and education - potentially making it a good year for those with relevant skills.

Temporary workers will also be extremely popular this year, with 33 per cent of employers planning to take on these employees in the next 12 months. This is three percentage points up on the results from November.

Agency staff are another option open to firms, with 47 per cent of employers telling the REC they are planning to increase their use of these professionals in the next three months.

If you're in the job market, looking for a new position, contact Unity Recruitment today and let us help you find your dream position.