There has been a notable surge in demand for individuals with one of four specific job titles, according to recent research. Job adverts for nannies and au pairs, sales executives, and delivery drivers have shown the most significant increase in recent weeks.
Declining Demand in Travel and Transport
Conversely, demand for staff including aircraft pilots, air traffic controllers, travel agents, and train drivers experienced the greatest decline, recruiters report. The total number of new job adverts reached 711,733 in April, marking a 7.7% decrease from March and a 5.6% drop compared to the same period last year, according to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC).
Factors Affecting the Jobs Market
The Easter holidays, rising employment costs, and uncertainty surrounding the Gulf conflict are believed to have dampened momentum in the jobs market. Political uncertainty in the UK could further weigh on recruitment in the coming months, the REC warned.
Neil Carberry, chief executive of the REC, commented: “The labour market is entering a more unpredictable phase after a solid start to the year. Hiring picked up earlier this year, but momentum eased somewhat in April, reflecting both seasonal Easter holidays and growing sensitivity to the conflict in the Gulf.
“The question now is how much of that momentum employers can realistically recover over the summer amid sudden domestic political uncertainty and prolonged tensions in the Gulf.
“The Government must help businesses commit to permanent hiring by tackling cost pressures, which remain the key driver of recruitment decisions.”
