UK employers report weaker hiring but stronger pay growth in December

 Britain’s jobs market cooled in December but starting salaries for permanent jobs rose at a faster pace, according to a survey of recruiters that will be studied by the Bank of England as it considers when it should cut interest rates again.

The monthly survey by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation trade body and accountants KPMG – which was published on Monday – showed hiring in December fell for the 39th month in a row and at the steepest pace in four months.

Employers...