Responding to the latest job vacancy data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Tania Bowers, Global Public Policy Director at the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) said:
“While the latest job vacancy data is showing a decline, there are a number of factors which need to be considered when analysing the state of the UK’s labour market.
“First and foremost, the number of jobs noted by the end of last year is still higher than the levels recorded between 2005 and 2020, meaning that things remain relatively stable for now.
“Secondly, there are still prevailing questions around the statistics which means this information shouldn’t be used as a standalone indicator of the jobs market.
“While vacancies have fallen 5% in the periods between July to September and October to December, the alternative estimates are suggesting that the employment rate for those aged 16 to 64 has increased marginally.
“This lack of correlation between falling vacancies and increasing employment levels means there’s likely more at play that the data isn’t showing.
“With the ONS using experimental data while also reinforcing the data pool of the main survey, we will likely need to see a few quarters of the revised statistics to be able to fully interpret what the data means for the UK.”
Latest job vacancy data: Astute’s view
Matt Dickens, Director at Astute People, said of the latest job vacancy data:
“Across the energy recruitment market, the traditional Christmas lull didn’t particularly materialise.
“Across Astute’s Power, Renewable and Energy sectors the team took a variety of new permanent and contract opportunities to market during this period.
“January has already proven to be an incredibly active market and I believe we will continue to see high demand for experienced contractors that are able to plug skills gaps organisations may be experiencing.
“With recent announcements around the UK’s plans to expand its Nuclear capabilities, and continued sustained demands across the Renewable and Power division, I believe we will continue to see high demand for top talent in the energy sector.
“As we approach the end of the financial year, a rise in vacancies is a distinct possibility.”
