With the availability of permanent jobs in the financial services industry increasing, employers will need to act quickly to secure their preferred candidates or risk missing out.

A report released by specialist recruiter Hays last week says job numbers will continue to increase in the April to June quarter as companies which have been operating with reduced staff recruit to take advantage of improving markets.

“We’re not only seeing replacement positions coming onto the market for roles put on hold during the global financial downturn,” Hays Director Nick Deligiannis said. “Each week we are seeing more and more newly created jobs appearing.

“The financial services sector, and in particular banking, is leading this charge.”

He says strong and growing demand for candidates with specific skills will require employers to move quickly through their recruitment process to ensure they can compete in the improved job market.

In the risk insurance sector, Hays predicts a significant increase in demand for retail and group life claims assessors, insurance account executives and account managers.

Insurance brokerages are also expected to seek more brokers at a variety of levels in order to increase and manage portfolios, with particular demand expected for brokers with financial lines experience.

Mr Deligiannis says new employees won’t be able to relax in their new jobs. They’ll be expected to add value at a faster and more significant rate than before the global financial crisis.