Fewer candidates available for permanent jobs
5 December 2014
The number of job candidates available for permanent vacancies fell in November, according to a report from the Recruitment & Employment Federation (REC).
Fri, 5 Dec 2014The number of job candidates available for permanent vacancies fell in November, according to a report from the Recruitment & Employment Federation (REC).
The REC’s Report on Jobs showed that the proportion of respondents reporting a drop in candidate availability rose from 41% in October to 44% in November. This compares with 45% of respondents that reported a worsening situation in September and 52% that said so in August.
Only 8% reported an improvement in the availability of permanent staff in November.
Meanwhile, the proportion of respondents that reported a drop in the availability of temporary candidates fell from 38% in October to 31% in November. This compares with 38% in September and 41% in August. More than 15% reported an improvement in the availability of temporary/contract staff in November, compared with 8.5% in October.
REC chief executive Kevin Green said: “If there is a cloud on the horizon for 2015, it’s the intensifying skills shortage that now spans many sectors and is particularly acute in highly skilled areas, such as engineering, IT and medicine. It’s not just about graduates; vacancies for skilled manual jobs are getting harder to fill as well.
“The shortage of licensed HGV drivers and forklift operators could mean retailers struggle to meet the Christmas demand generated by ‘cyber Monday’ and eager shoppers on the high streets.”
The REC’s Report on Jobs showed that the proportion of respondents reporting a drop in candidate availability rose from 41% in October to 44% in November. This compares with 45% of respondents that reported a worsening situation in September and 52% that said so in August.
Only 8% reported an improvement in the availability of permanent staff in November.
Meanwhile, the proportion of respondents that reported a drop in the availability of temporary candidates fell from 38% in October to 31% in November. This compares with 38% in September and 41% in August. More than 15% reported an improvement in the availability of temporary/contract staff in November, compared with 8.5% in October.
REC chief executive Kevin Green said: “If there is a cloud on the horizon for 2015, it’s the intensifying skills shortage that now spans many sectors and is particularly acute in highly skilled areas, such as engineering, IT and medicine. It’s not just about graduates; vacancies for skilled manual jobs are getting harder to fill as well.
“The shortage of licensed HGV drivers and forklift operators could mean retailers struggle to meet the Christmas demand generated by ‘cyber Monday’ and eager shoppers on the high streets.”
