Demand for workers remains high as thousands of new job adverts are posted and the shortage of workers grows, new research suggests.
Recruiters have reported there were 1.66 million jobs on offer last week, a weekly increase of 193,000.
According to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), new job postings have remained high since early June, with staff shortages continuing to be a concern for businesses.
Six of the UK’s top 10 hiring hotspots were said to be in Scotland last week.
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“Demand for workers remains very high across the economy and shows no signs of weakening,” REC chief executive Neil Carberry said.
“With businesses in the food, logistics and hospitality sectors starting to gear up for Christmas, the months ahead could be difficult, even with a large number of people coming off furlough in August and September.
“It is worth remembering that some of this could be short-term. Large numbers of people are finding new work post-pandemic as the economy reshapes.”
Carberry added: “But that realignment will take time, and there is good evidence to suggest that the market will remain tight for some years to come, even if the current crisis passes.
“Employers need the government to work with them in a practical, co-operative way on skills, unemployment and immigration changes in order to get through this crisis.”
Gary Smith, general secretary of the GMB union, concludes: “The growing labour market crisis is a result of years of cost-cutting and austerity by employers and government.
“You cannot cut your way out of a crisis, you need to invest and if the country is to avoid prolonged and crippling shortages across industries and supply chains, then employers must start paying people properly for their labour.
“It’s time to end the UK’s race to the bottom on pay and conditions – that’s why GMB will be organising and campaigning for significant pay increases across our membership in our drive to make work better.”
with PA Wires
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