Labour Market Tracker: New jobs postings soar as holidays end and firms gear up for Christmas peak

• Last week, there were 2.08 million job adverts in the UK, a new record high for 2022
• There were 269,000 new job postings last week – the second highest figure on record
• All occupations in the UK, except dancers, actors and entertainers, recorded notable increases in job adverts

• All regions in the UK recorded an increase in job adverts

• Four out of the UK’s top ten hiring hotspots were in the West Midlands in the week of 22-28 August

The number of active job adverts across the UK has remained between 1,600,000 and just under 2,08,000,000 since early-June. In the week of 22-28 August, active job adverts hit a new high for 2022 of 2.08 million, according to the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC)’s latest Labour Market Tracker.

Last week, there were 269,000 new job adverts posted, the second highest figure recorded for 2022 – 47% higher than a month earlier. The highest figure on record was recorded the week before, at 309,000.

Across the UK, labour and skills shortages mean jobs are taking longer to fill – meaning that postings stay active for longer.

Neil Carberry, Chief Executive of the REC, said:

“A surge in new postings in late August is the result of recruitment restarting as people return from holidays, combined with preparation for the Christmas peak in manufacturing and logistics. It is still a good time to be looking for a job – the number of active job vacancies reflects a shortage of candidates for many key roles. That is why businesses who want to hire need to think carefully about their approach, relying on advice and support from REC members as experts in the field.

"The incoming Prime Minister and their Cabinet should prioritise the economy. That means addressing shortages by working with business to develop a workforce strategy that can support growth. There are some quick wins that could help – reforming the Apprenticeship Levy to enable more people to train, focussing on more effective support into work for those who are currently inactive, and increased numbers and longer work visas for key sectors. Effectively protecting small businesses from enormous increases in the uncapped price of energy is also vital.”  

Last week the majority of occupations in the UK showed significant increases in job adverts. The most notable were tyre, exhaust and windscreen fitters (+24.1%), photographers (+23.4%), and veterinary nurses (+23.3%).

On the other hand, there were only two occupations which saw a decline in active job adverts; dancers (-0.7%), and actors and entertainers (-0.4%). These roles were at the top of the table last month with the largest growth in active job adverts.

All regions in the UK saw substantial growth in job postings in the week of 22-28 August, with four of the top ten hiring hotspots in West Midlands. The top three local areas with the highest increase in job adverts was Worcestershire (+24.1%), followed by Sandwell (+23.3%), and Telford and Wrekin (+22.3%).

Ends

Notes to editors:

1. The Labour Market Tracker is produced by the REC in partnership with Lightcast,  using their Job Postings Analytics data which is harvested from tens of thousands of job boards. Data was harvested between 15 and 28 August 2022. For more details, see the attached annexes which, in a league table format, detail the top and bottom ten county/unitary authorities for growth in job postings and growth by occupation type.
2. ‘Active’ job postings are those which were live online during the specified time period. ‘New’ job postings are those which were added to the active stock during the specified time period.

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About the REC

The REC is the voice of the recruitment industry, speaking up for great recruiters. We drive standards and empower recruitment businesses to build better futures for great candidates and themselves. We are champions of an industry which is fundamental to the strength of the UK economy.

Find out more about the Recruitment & Employment Confederation at www.rec.uk.com.

About Lightcast

Lightcast (formerly Emsi Burning Glass) provides trusted global labour market data, analytics, and expert guidance that empowers communities, corporations, and learning providers to make informed decisions and navigate the increasingly complex world of work. With a database of more than one billion job postings and career profiles, our team provides best-in-class customer service with robust data, clear analysis, and expert guidance on skills, jobs, and opportunities. 

Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, and Moscow, Idaho, Lightcast is active in more than 30 countries and has offices in the United Kingdom, Italy, New Zealand, and India. The company is backed by global private equity leader KKR. For more, visit www.lightcast.io/uk.

ANNEXES

Top ten and bottom ten county/unitary authorities for growth in job postings:

Top ten and bottom ten occupations by growth in job postings:

Key indicator occupations