Our CEO, Jane Wylie-Roberts, joined BBC Scotland’s Lunchtime Live show last week to discuss the soaring job vacancies and pay rises currently being experienced in the UK.
Since Covid-19 the employment landscape has changed dramatically and now employers are faced with the need to increase salaries both to attract the right candidates and also to retain existing employees.
Jane mentioned that the market is moving at an incredibly quick rate, with clients snapping up talent faster than ever. Whilst some companies are better positioned to be able to offer higher salaries, those that can’t face being left behind.
There has additionally been a significant increase in other ‘benefits’ being offered such as signing bonuses, 4-day weeks and greater flexibility around remote or hybrid working which obviously helps reduce travel costs and can provide a better work-life balance.
Whilst there continue to be shortages in the technology sector, which the UK has seen for many years now, there are also shortages of candidates in other sectors such as Hospitality and in particular Chefs. The easing of restrictions is going to see an even further increase in the demand for new employees in the sector.
Recent surveys have shown that as many as 60% of people are unhappy in their current employment and it was highlighted during the discussion that now could be an ideal time for those considering a change in career as there is such a large array of openings.
Graduates and individuals who have been working remotely have missed out on invaluable in-person training and mentoring from colleagues over the past few years. For young professionals entering the job market for the first time, gaining experience is incredibly important as is selecting the right career path. If the last few years have taught us anything it is that you need to enjoy the work you do and so finding a career that you are good at and can excel in is high on people’s agendas.