Biggest issues facing recruitment in the UK 2021

The ongoing effects of Covid-19, the lockdown, Brexit, and changing candidate sentiment continue to disrupt the UK recruitment sector.

As such, economic predictions by the Bank of England (BOE) and The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) point to difficult times for both hirers and candidates in 2021, with the OBR forecasting 7.5% of the UK working-age population will be out of work by the middle of 2021 and the BOE suggesting 7.7%. This is approximately 2.8 million people. However, vaccinations and a clearer roadmap out of lockdown are leading some sectors to show optimistic signs of recovery. The Chartered Institute for Procurement & Supply revealed that confidence among UK manufacturers was higher at the beginning of 2021 than it had been for six years.

This is approximately 2.8 million people. However, vaccinations and a clearer roadmap out of lockdown are leading some sectors to show optimistic signs of recovery. The Chartered Institute for Procurement & Supply revealed that confidence among UK manufacturers was higher at the beginning of 2021 than it had been for six years.

Meanwhile, recent findings from the professional body for UK recruitment businesses showed a small rise in permanent placements and a sharp hike in temp placements at the end of 2020, perhaps reflecting the ongoing reluctance of many companies to offer permanent positions at this time. In the face of such disruption, we wanted to learn more about the views of recruitment professionals in the UK. This survey was sent to approximately 2,300 hirers covering every industry and candidate level. Focused on UK hirer sentiment for 2021, issues covered include the biggest problems facing the industry, predictions, and how recruiters are coping with the switch from an employee-driven market to an employer-driven one.

To read the full report please go to Zoek’s report page.

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