July 2018: Candidate Shortages Continue to Hit the UK

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Candidate Shortages Continue to Hit the UK

Candidate Shortages Continue to Hit the UK

July has arrived and it’s about time that we take a mid-year look at what the employment market is doing. Trends for 2018 have been largely positive with unemployment down to 4.2% (as of Feb-Apr 2018) according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Let’s take a closer look at the stats.

The Stats

Official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that for February to April 2018:

75.6% of people aged from 16 to 64 years were in work, the joint highest employment rate for people since comparable records began in 1971
80.0% of men aged from 16 to 64 years were in work, the joint highest employment rate for men since February to April 1991
71.3% of women aged from 16 to 64 years were in work, the highest employment rate for women since comparable records began in 1971

These great statistics indicate a trend that has continued throughout 2018 so far. The news of great employment rates is only tempered by the news of decreasing availability of permanent and temporary staff across all sectors, which could signify a decrease in the pace of growth for many businesses.

(Read the full ONS report here)

The Consequences

The ‘Report on Jobs’, produced by IHS Markit and sponsored by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), compares questionnaire data collected every month from a panel of 400 UK recruitment and employment consultancies. The June release shows that despite the number of staff vacancies rising at the fastest rate since November 2017, staff availability has declined rapidly.

This catch-22, with demand for staff outstripping supply of available staff, is leading employers to raise starting wages, resulting in the steepest increase in starting salaries for three years. This is excellent news if you are searching for a new role, not only because you are equipped with higher bargaining power, but at Select we have also witnessed an increase in employers bringing in additional benefits to attract the right candidates, including flexible working and career progression opportunities.

The other major influence on the employment environment at the moment is Brexit. Statistics from the ONS for year ending March 2017 show a significant drop in net migration from the EU (down by 51,000 from the previous year). On the scale of migration to the UK, this does not sound like a large figure, however when you take into account the fact that EU workers make up 7% (2.2 million) of the UK workforce overall and 15% of workers in low-skilled roles, this is quite significant.

The Effects

The UK employment market is evolving at a fast pace, forcing employers from all industries to re-evaluate the benefits of working for them and offering new deals to attract the right candidates. In so doing, the balance of power between candidate and employer is changing giving the right candidates more leverage when looking for a job that fulfils their needs.

There is also a significant benefit for those job seekers looking for an entry-level role, with experienced candidates hard to find, companies are more willing to provide the training and progression for those candidates that show a can-do attitude and willingness to learn.

How are Recruiters Changing?

At Select, we have recognised these changes in the market and as ever, when the market changes so do we. If you are looking for a new role or the perfect new member of your team is proving difficult to find, Select can help. Get in contact with your local branch today to learn how we are evolving to accommodate the changes in the recruitment industry.

Testimonials

Thoroughly Recommend

“Caroline and her team took the time to listen to and fully understand our requirements. They demonstrated their understanding by presenting us with a short list of candidates all of whom could have filled the post. Thoroughly recommended for their fantastic service, thank you.”

Select Client – Google Review – Select Appointments St Albans

Second to None

“I have worked with and for ‘Select Appointments’ since Aug 1st 2017. I have nothing but absolute praise for the care and attention I have received whilst working under their ‘umbrella’. The interaction and provision of work, remuneration and holiday entitlement is in my opinion second to none, I would certainly recommend the agency to anyone with full and utmost confidence.”

Select Candidate – Google Review – Select Appointments Norwich

Best agency in Cambridge

“Select Cambridge is an excellent agency specialised in offering jobs in the Hospitality sector. The quantity and quality offered make it the best agency in Cambridge. Personally, I have had the opportunity to work with […] an excellent consultant, attentive to the details and needs of her employees. I highly recommend it for those who are considering joining this sector.”

Select Candidate – Google Review – Select Hospitality Cambridge

They Invest the Time

“I have worked with the Select team on both assisting me recruit as a customer and more recently as a candidate. Having first worked with Select on a couple of recruitment projects with great success she was my first call when I needed assistance with my own career move.

For me the difference with Select is that they invest the time to understand your requirements both as a business customer and as a candidate and match you to the right people or positions. Unlike a lot of Recruitment companies the communication is strong from the Select team with regular updates and you never feel like just another candidate in a drawer. Dedication, passion, professionalism and commitment are the qualities that set them apart from the rest and I cannot rate the Select team more highly.”

Select Client & Candidate – Google Review – Select Appointments Lowestoft

Very Supportive Team

“I worked with the very supportive team from Select. He rang just before every appointment I had with my new employers to offer advice and support. He was also on the end of the phone when I asked for advice about my current position. Needless to say, I was offered the job I was recruited for and had a very good experience with Select.”

Select Candidate – Google Review – Select Hospitality Peterborough

Able to Get Results

“Select have been absolutely amazing from the get go. I haven’t had any problems with finding a job, pay or communication. The team found me a new job within 1 week and another job after the contract ended on that one.

I would heavily recommend this company as not only are the staff so friendly, they are able to get the results that you want from employment. After years of working with other agencies and having many problems, Select come out on top and will be using them in the future. I found an amazing job and was so sad to leave it as I have continued my journey at university.”

Select Candidate – Google Review – Select Appointments Chelmsford

Lovely Agency to Temp With

“Lovely agency to Temp with. Always there for advice and respond quickly to any queries I have had over the last couple of months. I would like to thank the team for the incredible service they have provided me, very professional and they really care about their work.”

Select Candidate – Google Review – Select Appointments Oxford

Cannot Recommend Them Enough

“Select Appointments are an AMAZING agency!

My consultant believed in me and saw my strengths. He gave me back my work confidence then found me my dream job. Nothing is too much trouble. The team are with you every step of the way ensuring that you are well prepared. I cannot recommend Select highly enough.”

Select Candidate – Google Review – Select Appointments Northampton

Genuine Care

“Probably the very first agency that provided amazing customer experience to me. Staff are very professional and friendly to the point where they have managed to find something that suits me in the first 30 minutes of walking in for the first time. Paperwork isn’t as burdensome as in other recruitment agencies which is a big plus. I got an impression of genuine care from them due to the fact that they were always in contact with me and whenever I had an enquiry they responded asap.”

Select Candidate – Google Review – Select Appointments Lincoln

Dedication is Abundantly Clear

“I am an IT Engineer specialising in Apple systems. Over the course of 1 year I entertained many recruiters claiming their understanding and ability in finding a position that suited my expertise.

Chris Lo is the 1st (& only) recruiter in my experience that not only dedicated & understood my goals, but also had the technical education to fully understand my abilities and provide appropriate prospects. This lead to my current position with a company & group of people I want to stay with indefinitely.

Chris’s dedication is abundantly clear; extremely communicative and driven nature, exemplifies his passion and character.”

Select Candidate – Google Review – Select Appointments Croydon

The Seven Cs of Recruitment

Advice

Interview Hints and Tips

FINALLY… Make sure you have confirmed your interest in the job. Conclude the interview with a handshake, remembering to thank the interviewer for their time. After the interview contact your Select consultant and let them know how the interview went.