UK employment at an all-time high

20/12/2018

Given the relentless doom and gloom about Brexit we are continually hearing on the news at the moment, you could be forgiven for having missed a more positive story issued by the Department of Work & Pensions last week. According to their official statistics, more people are currently employed in the UK than ever before – more than 30 million people. It is true that our population is also at its highest level, but this is impressive nonetheless. In addition, the unemployment rate is at a 40-year low, and wages have been consistently rising over the past 9 months – at 3.3%, they are outpacing inflation and at their fastest growth rate for nearly a decade.

What does this mean for candidates looking for new opportunities?

With 75.7% of the population in employment, the UK is enjoying one of the best jobs markets in years. A candidate-driven market ensures you have more leverage with which to negotiate when seeking a new opportunity as well as less competition for jobs. Now couldn’t be a better time to dip your toe in the water – why not take some time to check out our vacancies over the Christmas break.

And for employers looking to recruit?

The availability of top talent has never been lower. Employers are really having to work hard to ensure they can attract high calibre candidates – yes this means salaries must be competitive and benefits packages generous. But also, the recruitment process must be short, engaging and efficient from beginning to end – leave a candidate waiting a week for interview feedback and you may find that, during that time, your prospective new employee will have accepted an equally enticing offer elsewhere. Additional support through the process from a professional and specialist recruitment agent/partner is now more valuable than ever in ensuring you can gain a competitive advantage in the market.