Growth in training, HR and finance vacancies

Although recruitment in the UK - in common with most other nations - has dropped dramatically because of the coronavirus pandemic, "pockets of hiring remain", according to a new survey.

David Sapsted

12 May 2020

Data compiled by Broadbean Technology, the global network of jobs board, showed that while vacancies dropped by further 5% in the first week of May, demand remained high in certain sectors, led by education and training.HR, legal, insurance and finance sectors also reported an increase in hiring amid an easing of lockdown restrictions.Education and training accounted for 40% of all new vacancies, a reflection of the need of educational institutes to replace staff on sick leave and to ensure facilities remain open for the children of key workers.Legal, HR and social services made up 34% of the jobs added in the week ending May 2 with the social services demand a likely result of continued staff shortages in care homes since the virus outbreak."Increased demand for legal professionals is indicative of the sheer number of businesses that have furloughed staff that have consequently required additional support to manage legalities in this area, and to handle contract amendments across the supply chain as organisations remain closed," said Broadbean.Broadbean Technology's data suggested that the increase in HR demand could be attributed in part to ongoing concerns surrounding employee health and wellbeing A recent survey by the Mental Health Foundation and LinkedIn indicated that almost 60% of business were worried about losing staff to sick leave because of the mental health impacts of working in lockdown.In the insurance and finance sector, which accounted for 18% of all new roles, Broadbean said vacancy growth could be partly attributed to businesses requiring expertise to aid with applications for 'bounce back loans' and other Covid-19 related support funds.In a geographic breakdown of the data, London still accounted for the most jobs advertised across the UK, despite a recent 22% drop in vacancies. On the other hand, Birmingham saw a 18% week-on-week growth, mainly as a result of an increase in demand for healthcare staff, while Bristol saw a similar increase in vacancies amid reports of a demand for an 'army of keyworkers' to keep supermarkets stocked.Alex Fourlis, managing director at Broadbean Technology, commented, "Given the uncertainty of the global economy, seeing peaks and troughs of hiring is to be expected, so while our data show vacancy numbers have dipped overall, the pockets of hiring we're seeing are certainly encouraging."And while the demand for education professionals is an on-going trend, and one we expect to continue as the UK gears up for a phased re-opening of schools, it is encouraging to see other sectors showing promising signs."