Report on Jobs - June 2016

Report on Jobs: Demand for Engineering staff recorded as the strongest growth in June

The latest figures from Recruitment and Employment Confederation’s (REC) Report on Jobs reveals the demand for engineering staff topped the ‘league table’ in June. Engineering ranked 1st of the nine monitored categories. The weakest growth was signaled for the Executive/Professional staff sector.

Key points from the June 2016 (conducted between 13-24 June) survey:

• Slight drop in permanent placements (first time since September 2012)
• Further drop in candidate availability
• Slowest vacancy growth in over three years

The Report on Jobs provides the most comprehensive guide to the UK labour market compiled by 400 leading recruitment consultancies and employers including Redline Group.

Commenting on the latest survey results, REC chief executive Kevin Green says:

“Uncertainty during the run-up to the EU referendum saw many employers suspend permanent hiring and instead bring in temporary, contractor or interim staff to hedge against potential changes to their growth prospects.”

Recruitment consultants indicated a slight drop in permanent staff placements during June, whilst temporary/contract staff billings rose at a slower pace. The number of people placed in permanent jobs decreased in June. Although marginal, it was the first drop in 45 months. Heightened uncertainty in the run-up for the UK’s EU referendum was widely reported by panellists, with many clients holding off a decision to recruit.

The availability of candidates to fill permanent roles fell further in June. Moreover, the rate of deterioration accelerated since May and was marked overall. Key permanent staff skills reported in short supply in the following areas:

• Engineering: Architectural Technicians, Design Engineers, Manufacturing Engineers and Process Engineers.

• Accounting/Financial: Audit, Compliance, Financial Planners, Paralegals, Paraplanners, Sales, Tax and Accountants.

Commenting on the lastest results, Redline Group Managing Director, Martin Crapper: “Redline operates in both the permanent and high-end Contractor technology sectors, so we have been ideally placed to monitor the pre and post EU Referendum activity. April, May and June (Q1) saw a 9% and 41% rise in permanent and Contract offers respectively (Vs previous year) supporting the REC’s view. But critically, the immediate post result offer activity significantly increased on permanent offers with two of our highest consecutive weeks recorded – in fact double the most recent average. Whilst there will be some inevitable changes to the patterns going forward, the early indications are very much business as normal in the high-technology, skills scare marketing for technology professionals. We will monitor all early stage activity closely, but new vacancies, interview requests, offers and acceptances are all still increasing.”

For more in-depth information about the market, please contact Martin directly on 01582 878803 or email him at MCrapper@redlinegroup.com. Redline Group is a specialist recruitment consultancy sourcing and selecting professional & qualified Management, Technical and Sales staff for the European technology market. They provide recruitment, retention and management advice and expertise to assist technology companies in identifying and developing the best talent for their organisations.

For further information please contact:

Martin Crapper, Redline Group Ltd

26-34 Liverpool Road, Luton, Beds, LU1 1RS, England

Tel: +44 (0)1582 450054

Fax: +44 (0)1582 458685

E: mcrapper@redlinegroup.com

W: www.redlinegroup.com