Recent statistics show that the UK’s unemployment levels are currently the lowest they have been in 43 years. This may seem to be great news, however, a leading recruitment body is arguing that the market is still a tough place for recruiters and companies looking to make hires.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have reported that unemployment is now at 4.2%, down from 4.6% last year. Put into real time terms, this equates to 32.4 million people in work, an increase of more than 440,000 from 2017 – pretty good, right?
Although this is positive news, Head of Policy at the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, Sophie Wingfield, suggested that this means that there are actually less employees out there looking for immediate work – creating issues for recruiters and companies looking to hire.
It is encouraging to see a rise in employment figures but staff shortages in key sectors such as nursing, engineering and manufacturing are becoming more worrying. With a lack of candidates to pick, recruiters are finding filling these sectors more of a challenge.
Employment growth is largely due to the rise in part-time work, as the number of females in part-time roles account for a third of the annual increase. With this change in mind, employers are having to consider flexible working, as it appears to be attracting more applicants to roles.
Another great thing to take away from the ONS statistics is the rise in weekly earnings. These have increased to an average 0.4% for UK employees!
Here at Selective Group, we recruit for a wide variety of sectors! If you are looking for candidates or the next step in your career, do not hesitate to get in touch with us on 01235 462 900 or email us at info@selective-group.com.
