Job vacancies have hit a record high as the economic recovery continues, according to official figures. The number of vacancies in the three months to August rose above one million for the first time since records began in 2001. Figures also showed employee numbers were back at pre-Covid levels in August, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. August payrolls showed another monthly increase of 241,000 to 29.1 million. Business groups said, however, despite the return of staffing levels to pre-pandemic rates there remained high demand for more staff, and there was a risk labour shortages would dampen growth. ... (full story)