UK Job Vacancies Decline More Sharply than Other Countries, Says Indeed

Sunday, December 15, 2024

New research from recruitment platform Indeed has highlighted a significant slowdown in the UK job market, with job vacancies falling by 23% compared to last year. This marks a much steeper decline than in other major economies, such as the US and Germany, where the reduction in job postings has been more gradual, averaging between 5% and 15%.

The drop in the UK is particularly pronounced in sectors like technology and professional services, which had seen rapid growth in recent years. The current economic climate—characterised by sluggish growth, rising wage pressures, and political uncertainty—has caused many businesses to scale back their hiring plans, resulting in a sharp contraction in vacancies across several industries.

While the overall job market has experienced a downturn, some sectors continue to fare better. Essential industries, including logistics and healthcare, are still seeing consistent demand for workers, particularly in seasonal roles as businesses prepare for the holiday period.

Recruitment experts suggest that businesses may need to adjust their strategies in response to these challenges. Focusing on filling vacancies in high-demand sectors and adapting to the evolving needs of the workforce could help companies stay competitive in this changing job landscape.