Permanent job placements in Britain grew at their fastest pace in more than two years last month while salaries rose for the first time in over a year, a survey showed on Wednesday.

The REC/KPMG index of permanent placements by recruitment agencies jumped to 61.7 in November from an upwardly revised 55.6 in October -- the fourth month running it has been above the 50 level that separates growth from contraction and the highest since July 2007.

The index of temporary staff placements increased to a 19-month high of 56.1 from 52.4 in October.

In a further sign Britain's labour market could be turning the corner, the pay index for permanent staff rose to 51.9 from 49.3, the first reading above the 50 threshold in 15 months.

"This is very positive news," said REC chief executive Kevin Green. "Employers in nearly all sectors are lifting recruitment freezes and starting to hire again."

Official data last month showed the number of Britons claiming unemployment benefit rose in October by its smallest amount in 18 months, while the number of people in employment rose for the first time in over a year.

LONDON (Reuters)