Number of job adverts continues to grow in the lead-up to Christmas

Recent figures have revealed that growth in job adverts is showing no signs of slowing down as we approach the festive season.

This is despite concerns about increases in the cost of living and of course the issue of Covid-19.

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation’s (REC) latest Jobs Recovery Tracker found that there were around 221,000 new job postings in the UK in the first week of November – this is the fourth highest weekly figure since data collection for the tracker began at the beginning of 2020.

The biggest rises in adverts were for:

• Driving instructors (+32.3%)
• Prison officers (+13%)
• Fork-lift truck drivers (+9.1%)

Neil Carberry, Chief Executive of the REC, said, “The latest job advert numbers show recruitment activity staying strong in the run-up to Christmas. The general positive trend varies by region and sector, however. London has been affected more than other areas by the rise of hybrid working, and its jobs market continues to grow at a slower pace than the rest of the UK. And while roles in logistics and care are in high demand, the construction sector saw a drop-off last week as supply issues constrained the industry’s ability to work to capacity.

“It’s vital that, as the recovery continues, government put measures in place that will help companies invest with confidence, thereby increasing productivity and helping the economy to grow. That includes a revolution in the skills system, especially focused on helping those furthest from the labour market into work. The best way to achieve this is through collaboration between business and government, with joined up planning to meet the economy’s needs and deliver prosperity.”

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