New data from the end of June shows that job listings have increased to pre-pandemic levels, indicating that the UK jobs market is continuing to recover from COVID-19. However, despite the positive news, experts have warned that more needs to be done in order to ensure that vacancies are filled.
Data from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation’s (REC) Jobs Recovery Tracker, produced alongside Emsi, shows a total of 1.55 million job adverts in the week from June 21-27, more than the figure for March 2020 – before the pandemic hit.
The Jobs Recovery Tracker shows particular demand for professional and skilled roles, as well as for roles in the education sector. However, the increase in vacancies – particularly for skilled roles – has prompted REC Chief Executive Neil Carberry to assert that more needs to be done to increase skills and support for those looking for jobs.
Carberry commented: “Sustained momentum in our jobs market is great news, but vacancies and unemployment don’t just resolve themselves – it takes support to help people find their new role. Rising job adverts for roles that require key skills to get hired – from IT to haulage – highlight the ongoing need to put the skills and job search support people need in place.”
“Tackling this mis-match, in the context of a tightening labour market, should be a priority for government and businesses, working together. We need to act now to make sure we do the right thing for jobseekers and our economy.”
“That means a plan that reforms the skills system by listening to business about what is really needed, like changes to the apprenticeship levy. It also includes ensuring job search support programmes are effective and get people to work quickly. And it should acknowledge where shortages are so severe our only option is adding roles to the immigration shortage occupation list, which is overdue a refresh.”
Author: Steven English
15.07.2020
