British companies' demand for staff rose at the slowest rate since 2012 last month, according to a survey that suggested the labour market, a bright spot in the economy ahead of Brexit, might be losing its shine.

The monthly index of staff demand from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and accountants KPMG fell to 53.6 from 55.5 in March, its lowest level since August 2012.

The survey also showed slower pay growth, something the Bank of England said last week it had seen signs of recently.

Starting salaries for new permanent staff rose by the smallest amount in two years, though pay growth for temporary workers improved slightly.

While the Bank of England last week predicted the unemployment rate would fall a little further, REC survey suggests the labour market is slowing.