A survey of recruitment shows that public sector organisations intentions are at the highest for five years.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development survey reveals that recruitment intentions in the public sector have risen to a five year high with 75% indicating that they plan to recruit in the third quarter of 2014. Recruitment intentions are highest in healthcare at 77% and education at 74%. This compares with the private sector where two thirds of employers plan to recruit employees in the next three months.

The median wage settlement, excluding bonuses, in the public sector in the 12 months to June 2015 is projected to be 1%. This compares to 2% in the private sector. The muted pay picture is further supported by the CIPD’s survey of 1,000 employees which shows that among those workers who have enjoyed a pay rise this year, the median increase has fallen to 2% this year from 2.5% in 2013.

The overall picture from the CIPD survey is that although wage growth is expected to remain weak the jobs market is buoyant.