In the second quarter of 2021, job openings reached their highest level since 2018Key findings:
- According to the latest statistics from ONS, job vacancies in the UK reached a 15-month high.
- From April to June 2021, there were 862,000 job vacancies across the country, with most industries seeing increases in their number of vacancies. The largest percentage increase is seen in arts, entertainment, and recreation.
- Industry-specific data shows the recovery rate to vary during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Most industries are currently at higher vacancy levels than in January through March 2020.
Summary:
There are 77,500 job vacancies in the UK from April to June 2021, which is 9.9% more than its previous level in January to March 2020.
In the second quarter of 2021, job openings reached their highest level since 2018. This growth occurred in all industries except public administration and defence, compulsory social security.
There has been notable growth in vacancy rates in the arts, entertainment, and recreation industry over the past three months. It is also worth noting that five industries have all experienced significant increases in vacancies in the span of a few months. Due to a shortage of skilled staff, the UK accommodation and food service industry has experienced the largest increase in vacancies by 73,400 in the last quarter to 102,000.
Vacancies for the April to June 2021 period were 9.9% higher than they were during the pre-pandemic months of January to March 2020. However, since the pandemic started, there has been a varied rate of recovery across industries. Most vacancies are now higher than those seen from January to March 2020. The largest increases are in occupations related to health and social work, which increased by 13.6% in the past year. Accommodation and food service activities also increased by 21.1% in the same time period.
Three industries are still performing below their pre-pandemic level including, mining, and quarrying, transport and storage, and wholesale and retail trade-related areas. Despite an improvement from previous quarters, this hasn’t recovered to pre-pandemic levels. Regardless, this indicates a slow recovery in businesses’ demand for employees.
The news is good. Economic recovery is continuing, and policymakers should be aware that government support is temporary. The government should focus on back-to-work schemes for all ages, as well as income support for people in need.
Azmat Mohammed, Director General
