- The number of overall active job postings in September 2024 was 1,544,753 – a decrease of 10.0% on the same number in August 2024. This continues a trend of moderation back to pre-pandemic levels. Notably, the last time that job postings were 1.5m was in January 2021.
- There were 666,542 new job postings in September 2024 – a 7.2% decline from the month before.
- Ahead of September retail sales expected to be published today (Fri), REC’s own data shows that retail occupations overall also saw a fall in the number of job postings in September 2024 compared to August 2024.
- We outline opportunities for jobseekers to land internships.
There were 666,542 new job postings in September 2024, according to the latest Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) and Lightcast Labour Market Tracker.
This is a decline in new job postings of 7.2% compared to August 2024.
The number of overall active postings in September 2024 was 1,544,753, slipping below 1.6m where it has sat for two years apart from a dip in December 2023.
Despite these falls, there are still sectors with a high number of vacancies, such as more than 33,000 job posting for Programmers and Software Development Professionals, more than 22,000 job postings for Solicitors and Lawyers and more than 21,000 job postings for Large Goods Vehicle Drivers.
REC Chief Executive Neil Carberry said:
“A fall in new job ads is symptomatic of a wait-and-see approach some employers are taking as they wait for more from the government around their plans to fuel the economy. This week’s announcement of the Industrial Strategy has helped, as has the clarity on the Employment Rights Bill. A longer timescale for the Bill has settled fears of policies being rushed in, but there are still nerves about the longer-term impact on hiring with so much still to determine.
“This is why most businesses are looking to the Budget at the end of the month before they decide how to invest, to tell them what money they will have to invest in hiring. The Chancellor must demonstrate an understanding of the challenging cost environment that businesses face after a period of high inflation and interest rates, and the relief they now need.
“While the job postings are down, they still indicate a range of skills in short supply across the economy.”
Today’s Labour Market Tracker shows that Head Teachers and Principals (41.6%), School Midday and Crossing Patrol Occupations (25.5%) and Authors, Writers and Translators (19.9%) had the largest increase in the number of job postings in September.
Air Transport Operatives (-31.8%), Driving Instructors (-38.1%) and Childminders (-67.1%) all showed the largest decline in roles from August to September 2024.
Mid Ulster (-20.9%), Fermanagh and Omagh (-24.4%) and Powys (-24.8%) all accounted for the sharpest decline in job postings.
Industries spotlight
Retail
Ahead of September retail sales expected to be published today (Fri), REC reveals that retail occupations overall in the UK saw a fall in the number of job postings in September 2024. But the roles with the highest increase in job postings were Shelf Fillers (8.9%), Sales and Retail Assistants (1.9%) and Roundspersons and Van Salespersons (0.7%). Occupations with the biggest decreases in the number of job postings in this sector were Collector Salespersons and Credit Agents (-20.7%), Retail Cashiers and Check-out Operators (-14.9%) and Sales Administrators (-9.1%).
Healthcare:
Caretakers (1.8%) had the highest growth in job postings in the health and care sector. Whereas Counsellors (-20.8%), Registered Children's Nurses (-21.2%) and Physiotherapists (-21.8%) had the sharpest decline in job postings.
Logistics and Drivers:
Within the Logistics and Drivers sector, all roles saw a decline, overall, the industry saw an 11.9% decline in the number of job postings from August to September. Postal Workers (14.7%) and Delivery Drivers (4.1%) had the highest increase in the number of job postings. The steepest decline in job postings was for Directors in Logistics, Warehousing and Transport (-17.2%), Road Transport Drivers (-17.3%) and Mobile Machine Drivers and Operatives (-19.8%)
The best opportunities for jobseekers to get internships in the UK right now.
Internships can give people the experience necessary to get a contract or permanent role, as well as provide opportunities for networking and to explore a sector more widely. REC conducted an analysis of job postings for internships, revealing key trends for job seekers who have just left school or university this summer, and who may be struggling to find work or unsure of which career path to follow. It comes as the Institute of Student Employers (ISE) annual recruitment survey this week reports a slowdown in graduate jobs growth, with ISE urging students to try to focus their applications and get work experience.
REC’s data finds:
- The industries with the highest number of internship roles in September 2024 are Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities (591 postings), Manufacturing (523 postings) and Financial and Insurance Activities (427 postings).
- As for occupations, Functional Managers and Directors (536 postings), Sales, Marketing and Related Associate Professionals (328 postings), Information Technology Professionals (314 postings) and HR, Training and Other Vocational Associate Guidance Professionals (258 postings) had the highest demand for interns.
- Looking at the previous few years, we can see that internship posting activity in 2022 to 2024 peaks in March. For young people looking for their next career step, March looks the most opportune time to look for new internship roles.
- Around a third (35%) of internships posted were based in London, making it the most popular region for internship postings. The South East of England and East of England regions follow.
Neil Carberry said:
“Jobseekers have the invaluable opportunity to gain work experience and demonstrate their skills to potential employers through internships, all without the pressure of committing to a specific career path. We strongly encourage employers to create meaningful internship roles and dedicate the necessary time and resources to consider taking more interns on and to give them quality experience. More financial support from the government could encourage some employers to increase the volume of opportunities that they offer to young people. By doing so, employers can cultivate a robust ladder of opportunity for young people who are new to the world of work, career returners or economically inactive – and spot and recruit top talent before their competitors do.”
