UK jobs market update – active jobs ads up by 15%, firms struggling to hire

The latest statistics on the UK job market are in, and it’s a mixed bag of news for employers and job-hunters.  

According to data from the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) and the Labour Market Tracker from Emsi Burning Glass, the number of active job postings is on the rise. There were over 1.8 million ads live in the week from 25^th April to 1^st May. This is an increase of 7% compared to the week before, and 15% from the previous month.  

The number of employers posting new roles has steadily increased over the second quarter of 2022, but the pace is slowing.   

Job posting activity rises across nearly all sectors and locations 

The REC stats also showed that almost every industry has seen a rise in job ad activity over the last few weeks. This includes business and accounting, where job postings for chartered accountants increased by nearly 14% and for financial managers by over 10%. 

The biggest weekly growth rate was identified in a rather niche sector, that of precision instrument makers and repairers. This occupational group saw a rise of over 15% in just one week.  

The only job roles to buck this trend were postal workers (-5.5%), security staff (-2.3%), furniture makers (-0.3%) and forestry workers (-0.3%).  

Another slight surprise in the REC findings was that nearly every UK area saw increased job posting activity. The only two exceptions were Ards and North Down, and Mid and East Antrim. The UK’s hiring hotspot was found to be Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, with Westminster and Milton Keynes hot on its heels.  

How healthy is the UK jobs market looking? 

These latest findings ease fears that UK employers may become more hesitant to hire in the face of the current inflation rises and cost of living crisis.  

However, the data also clearly flags up the fact that firms are struggling to hire the talent they need. The steady increase in live job adverts indicates that positions are remaining unfilled for longer, with new ads gradually adding to the total.   

This is great news for job hunters, who have more power to pick and choose roles, and command higher salaries. But it’s more disheartening news for employers, who are facing skills and labour shortages across a number of sectors.  

The REC’s Chief Executive Neil Carberry commented on the latest UK jobs market update, saying: 

“The data continues to show that employers across the UK are eager to hire new staff into their businesses. The number of new job postings has remained relatively stable for the past few weeks, despite concern about rising inflation.  

“But the jobs market remains tight, the rising number of active adverts indicates that some firms are struggling to hire. That makes it a great time to be looking for a new role, but it’s important that employers look closely at all aspects of their offer to candidates and consult with a recruitment expert to make sure they get the quality staff they need.”  

Need expert help sourcing and attracting the talent your business needs? Work with our network of recruitment specialists here at RGH – get in touch to start your search.