As the latest UK
unemployment figures are revealed this morning, Working Links is
releasing new vacancy figures that show encouraging growth in
manual trades like welding, construction and building (vacancies up
by 64%, 35%, and 34%, respectively). Posts in clerical work,
on the other hand, are becoming increasingly rare, with a drop of
60% for available administrative positions, and secretarial work
down by a quarter.
Jobs in other hands-on professions like
hairdressing, transport driving, and personal health care services
are also on the rise, while sales roles, and the creative and
services industries have all seen a drop in available roles
throughout the country.
Commenting on the current trends, Working
Links Director Karen Masterson said:
“We’re seeing different trends in each region
across Britain but there are an increasing amount of vacancies in
the manual trades, as well as manufacturing.
“Unfortunately there are not many vacancies in
clerical roles or amongst public sector employers, but we are
expecting the construction sector to grow in 2012.”
Regional variation
London, Scotland and Wales boast the greatest
increase in available positions, while the North East, North West,
and East Midlands have experienced the greatest slump in available
jobs.
Up skilling or showing
will?
Commenting on how job seekers might react to
these latest figures, Masterson said:
“More often than not, employers are looking at
hiring candidates who have employability skills – those who are
reliable, flexible and who have a good work ethic – rather than
reams of qualifications.”
“However, certain industries still require specific skills and
qualifications. We work closely with employers to find out
exactly what skills are needed in new starters and work with
candidates to ensure they can are ready to hit the ground
running.”
On the up (% increase/decrease in
vacancies year-on year Aug-Oct 2011)
The jobs market is more complicated and
nuanced than the headline figures reveal. Below please find a
breakdown of those careers and geographies where opportunities do
exist for Britain’s unemployed.
Top 10 occupations
(1000 vacancies or more)
| Metal forming, welding and related trades |
+64% |
| Electrical trades |
+40% |
| Engineering professionals |
+35% |
| Construction operatives |
+35% |
| Building trades |
+34% |
| Metal machining, fitting and instrument making trades |
+32% |
| Production managers |
+24% |
| Transport drivers and operatives |
+22% |
| Healthcare and related personal services |
+20% |
| Hairdressers and related occupations |
+14% |
Top 3 geographical areas
(1000 vacancies or more)
| London |
+6% |
| Scotland |
+3% |
| Wales |
+2% |
Top 3 Local Authority
areas
(100 vacancies or more)
| Inverclyde |
+144% |
| East Renfrewshire |
+108% |
| Lambeth |
+58% |
Down we go (% decrease in vacancies
year-on year Aug–Oct 2011)
Bottom 10 occupations)
(1000 vacancies or more)
| Administrative occupations |
-60% |
| Artistic and literary occupations |
-53% |
| Health associate professionals |
-30% |
| Managers and proprietors of other service industries |
-27% |
| Sales related occupations |
-26% |
| Sales assistants and retail cashiers |
-25% |
| Elementary sales occupations |
-24% |
| Secretarial and related occupations |
-23% |
| Social welfare associate professionals |
-21% |
| Customer service occupations |
-19% |
Bottom 3 geographical
areas
(1000 vacancies or more)
| North East |
-15% |
| North West |
-8% |
| East Midlands |
-7% |
Bottom 3 local authority areas
(100 vacancies or more)
| Isle of Wight |
-51% |
| Moray |
-47% |
| Bedford |
-35% |
What is The Pulse?
It’s an insight into job trends in the UK by
employment and skills experts Working Links, combining Office for
National Statistics (ONS) figures with evidence from the front line
in today’s welfare to work industry – giving an overall view of
today’s and tomorrow’s employment market.
Working Links delivers dozens of government
contracts helping people on their journey to a brighter future –
whether that’s through finding them work or updating their skills.
We operate in more than 100 locations across Britain and have
helped more than 220,000 people since our inception in 2000.