Job prospects for young people are picking up with two thirds (64%) of employers having hired a young person in the last year, according to the latest JobsOutlook survey by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC)
Employers placed the highest value (47%) on a young person’s attitude when weighing up whether to make a job offer or not. The survey also showed that although one in five (20%) employers are interested in the level of qualification young people achieve (e.g. A Level or GSCE), only 4% said that specific exam results and grades are the most important factor when making a hiring decision.
JobsOutlook showed that jobs market growth looks set to continue throughout the year with eight out of ten employers (79%) planning to increase their permanent staff in the next 12 months. More than a third (35%) had no spare capacity in their current workforce to handle more work should demand increase further.
REC CEO Kevin Green said: “It’s the best time in 6 years to be a young person coming into the jobs market. Employer hiring intentions are high and more employers are reaching capacity with their existing workforce and will have to take on new staff.
“Qualifications can be a good indicator of ability but our survey shows employers place a high value on attitude. Our advice is young people need to think about how they project a positive, can-do attitude when applying for jobs.”
This month’s JobsOutlook report shows that:
• 86% of employers plan to increase their permanent staff in the next three months.
• 79% of employers plan increase their permanent staff in the next four to twelve months.
• 47% plan to increase their temp staff in the next three months.
• 44% plan to increase their temp staff in the next four to twelve months.
Notes to Editors
1. The REC’s JobsOutlook tracking survey reports the responses of 600 employers questioned about their hiring intentions over the next quarter and the next year. Respondents are drawn from across the public, private and non-profit sector, and from across a range of industries and sizes of organisation.
2. This month’s topical question was asked to a panel of 200 employers and the results were as follows:
In the last year have you recruited a young person under the age of 25?
• Yes 64%
• No 33%
• Don’t know 3%
What do you consider to be the most important factor when hiring a young person?
• Level of qualification (GCSEs A-Levels, Degree) 20%
• Academic results (i.e. the results they achieved e.g 2:1) 4%
• Attitude 47%
• Work Experience 10%
• Understanding of your business 7%
• Other 3%
• Don’t know 9%
•
3. For more information, contact the REC Press Office on 0207 009 2157/2192 or pressoffice@rec.uk.com. An ISDN line is available for interviews on 0207 021 0584.
4. The Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) is the professional body for the recruitment industry. The REC represents 3,349 corporate members who have branches across all regions of the UK. In addition, the REC represents 5,759 individual members within the Institute of Recruitment Professionals (IRP). All members must abide by a code of professional practice. Above all, the REC is committed to raising standards and highlighting excellence throughout the industry. Find out more on www.rec.uk.com.
