Record number of new jobs advertised since lockdown

A new report has revealed that there have been nearly 129,000 new job postings recently, which is the highest number since lockdown.

The REC’s Jobs Recovery Tracker shows that there was a notable increase in adverts for school support roles like lunchtime supervisors and crossing patrols (+17.1%) and school secretaries (+13.6%). There was also a smaller rise for both secondary and primary school teachers (+5.9% and +3.6%).

There was a significant rise in job postings in South Nottinghamshire (+15.7%) and Hounslow & Richmond upon Thames (+15.2%).

At the other end of the spectrum however, six of the bottom ten counties/unitary authorities were in Scotland, with the biggest falls in East Lothian & Midlothian (-8.2%) and Aberdeen City & Aberdeenshire (-2.6%).

Overall, the number of job adverts in Scotland rose by just 0.2% from the previous week, the least of any UK nation, and lower than any English region.

Neil Carberry, Chief Executive of the REC (Recruitment and Employment Confederation), said, “Since lockdown restrictions were lifted at the beginning of June, we have seen the number of job adverts increasing steadily as the economy began its recovery. In recent weeks, this recovery has accelerated in the areas you would expect – education and childminding as people return to school and work, construction and logistics, and also healthcare occupations not directly related to the pandemic.

“Government must think very carefully about any further restrictions they put into place. Public health must be a priority, but we should not underestimate the long-term effects that recession and unemployment have. Targeted wage support for key sectors, allied to an across-the-board reduction in the jobs tax – employers’ National Insurance – will help to keep more people employed. Further measures may be needed if local lockdowns become more widespread.”

To find out more about contracting please contact Jessica on 01206 591 000 or email jessica.attwood@contractorumbrella.com.