The main findings for October 2022 from the latest UK Report on Jobs, sponsored by KPMG and the REC (Recruitment & Employment Confederation), are as follows (the full report is available on request):
Fresh fall in permanent staff appointments
Recruitment consultancies indicated that hiring activity waned at the start of the fourth quarter, as the number of permanent placements fell for the first time in 20 months and temp billings stagnated. Survey respondents often mentioned that heightened economic uncertainty had led some clients to reassess their recruitment plans, while candidate shortages also dampened hiring.
Vacancy growth eases again in October
Although demand for staff continued to increase in October, the rate of vacancy growth softened for the sixth month running. Notably, the upturn in demand was the weakest seen since the current period of expansion began in February 2021, with both permanent and short-term vacancies rising at slower rates.
Overall availability of staff continues to drop sharply
The total supply of candidates fell sharply once again during October, despite the rate of reduction easing fractionally to the slowest since April 2021. The decline in permanent staff availability remained more acute than that seen for temporary labour. When explaining the latest drop in candidate numbers, recruiters commented that people had become more reluctant to switch or seek out new roles due to concerns around the weaker economic outlook, fewer foreign workers and a low unemployment rate.
Starting salary inflation dips to 18-month low
Latest survey data pointed to a softening of pay pressures during October. Although sharp overall, pay awarded to new permanent joiners increased at the slowest rate for a year-and-a-half. At the same time, temp wage inflation slipped to its lowest since May 2021. According to recruiters, starting rates of pay increased due to the rising cost of living and competition for staff.
Labour demand remains high amid economic uncertainty
In the last quarter of 2022, we’re experiencing some challenging recruitment conditions, but the number of vacancies remains high compared to pre-pandemic levels. Candidate supply continues to fall at a historically sharp pace and employers are still struggling to fill their vacancies.
Hopefully this will provide you with an excellent insight into a myriad of critical recruitment topics including hiring activity, candidate availability and salaries. As you strive to keep your current employees happy and attract the best new talent to help your company grow you may find some of the content very useful.
If you want to discuss any of the above or any other recruitment-related issues then please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0121-585 6079.
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