Job adverts for nannies and au pairs, sales executives and delivery drivers have shown the biggest increase in recent weeks, according to research by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation
There has been a surge in demand for people with one of four job titles, despite the UK’s unemployment rates hitting a five-year high.
Job postings for nannies, au pairs, sales executives, and delivery drivers have seen a significant increase over the past few weeks. In contrast, recruiters report a substantial decline in demand for certain professionals, including pilots, air traffic controllers, travel agents, and train drivers.
According to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), April saw a total of 711,733 new job postings, marking a 7.7% decrease from March and a 5.6% decline from the same time last year. Factors contributing to this slowdown include the Easter holidays, rising employment costs, and growing uncertainty surrounding the Gulf conflict.
The REC cautions that the ongoing political uncertainty in the UK could further impact recruitment in the coming months.
Chief Executive Neil Carberry said: “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.”
It comes as a report last week revealed 16.1% of 16-24 year-olds were unemployed with graduate vacancies falling 45% year-on-year.
The report also highlighted how Britain faces a projected loss of 163,000 jobs this year, with lower-income regions set to bear the brunt of the economic fallout from the Iran.
The report forecasts job reductions of 5,700 in south Wales and 2,800 in Humber by 2026.