A recent major job board survey and report shows that the average numbers applying for every job has increased from 15 per job to a high level of 20 in the last year, and rising to over 50 for some vacancies. A the same time a strong fall in public sector jobs of 58% year on year has been revealed. This points to a very difficult job market, and slower resettlement of redundant employees could well be an expected outcome.
Meanwhile statistics showing the growing trend towards self-employment – starting a new business or moving to become a consultant, contract worker or interim – continues with one outplacement provider reporting 26% in January, 38% in March, and averaging for the quarter at 30% of their delegates choosing some form of self-employment route. At the same time figures for resettlement into an employed external role have dropped with that company showing a level below 50% for the first time a figures which they say reflects the high number taking the self-employed route that month.
Other interesting figures show that very few people seem to be taking up further training as their next career step with reported statistics highlighting a ateady pattern at under 5%. People moving to an internal role were reported at 6-8%, retiring 2-3% or taking a career break 4-5%.
Future blogs will give more information on patterns and trends in the job market.