Latest findings show that vacancies are significantly above pre-Covid levels as skills shortages across the UK remain high.
The Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) report, using data provided by Bullhorn, revealed that despite figures showing a decline in jobs between October and November, contract vacancies were up 16% between November 2019 and November 2022.
Ann Swain, Global CEO of APSCo, said, “We are seeing the recruitment market slow which is to be expected following the highs noted in the first half of the year. However, this doesn’t mean that the market is contracting as recession fears grow. In fact, pre-Covid comparisons show that recruitment activity is still significantly above pre-pandemic levels.
“This suggests that the UK remains in a tight talent landscape with skilled resources still in short supply despite the economic slowdown. This scenario will put greater pressure on the staffing sector to find the talent that clients desperately need and on employers to ensure they create the right environment and offer the appropriate remuneration to both attract and retain these resources.”