The Totaljobs Hiring Trends Index gives an up-to-date view of recruitment and employment trends in the UK. 

The latest edition provides a look back at the second quarter of 2021 (from April-June 2021) and offers insights into what the labour market could look like over the coming months:

The last three months (Apr-Jun)

• 46% of Welsh businesses increased recruitment in the last quarter – outstripping Q2 expectations set in April by 9%. Roles in operations, sales, professional services and manufacturing & production were the most in-demand in Q2.
• Welsh businesses were the least likely to have decreased recruitment in Q2, with only 3% of companies reporting this
• In addition, Welsh business were the least likely to have restructured a department, team or the wider business, with only 14% of companies reporting to have done this
• The number of jobs posted across the UK on the Totaljobs platform in June is returning to pre-Covid levels, with 14% more jobs published in June than in May. ‘Warehouse Operative’ was the most searched keyword on Totaljobs in June, while the logistics sector received the highest volume of visitors, administration roles attracted the most applications and driving jobs were the most advertised.

Looking ahead to Q3

The easing of lockdown restrictions is enabling employers to build confidence in the state of the economy and recruitment market, with 55% of Welsh businesses confident they will recruit the people they need in Q3 2021.[1]

Jon Wilson, Totaljobs CEO:

“The Totaljobs Hiring Trends Index shows that recruitment has grown significantly in Q2, with four in ten businesses increasing their hiring compared to just 26% in Q1. With this, 29% of businesses plan to increase their recruitment in the coming quarter.”

“As Covid-19 restrictions come to an end, we expect to see a flurry of activity in the months ahead in terms of recruitment and business planning, as highlighted by the actions employers plan to take in the second half of the year. As we transition out of Covid restrictions and realise the opportunities this offers, it’s also crucial for businesses to consider the needs of candidates and employees during this period. Listening to, taking care of, and ensuring staff feel comfortable has never been more important.  Employers should reflect on how they can meet changing work preferences to keep hold of their staff and cement themselves as a competitive player in the market.”