The nationwide statistics reveal that the jobs market is growing steadily, but each sector tells its own story. Here, we focus on five key industries and reveal the emerging trends in each.
Health & nursing
Based on a rise of 15% over the last figures of 2010, the health sector appears to be growing at a pleasing rate. However, it’s worth noting that the latest figures represent a 36% drop on figures from the first quarter of 2010. Interest from jobseekers in this market is as strong as ever, and in fact more applications were received in this quarter than at the start of 2010, despite this hefty drop in jobs posted. As a result, jobseekers can expect to be one of 10 applicants for any job.
Secretarial, PAs & administration
As one of the biggest sectors in the country, a 32% rise in the secretarial jobs market equals nearly 6,000 additional roles. More jobs doesn’t necessarily mean an easier path to selection for jobseekers, however, with nearly 60% more applications meaning that competition is as fierce as ever – 37 applications per job is an increase of 22% over the last quarter.
Travel, leisure & tourism
The travel industry grew by only 7% in the last quarter, which represents a step in the right direction after a drop in the final figures of 2010. While the market has remained largely static, jobseekers are clamouring for roles within this sector, with a huge 87% increase in applications. As a result, competition is at unprecedented levels, with a 76% increase leading to 23 people applying for every job.
Retail & wholesale
After a blip in the last quarter of 2010 (the only time Retail & Wholesale has suffered a quarterly decline since the Totaljobs Barometer began), a 10% increase in this quarter means that this particular market is bigger than at any time since 2009. Always one of the more competitive sectors, candidates face a tougher task than ever: this time last year, 21 applications per job was the norm, but this quarter, jobseekers can expect to be one of 32 applicants for every job, an increase of 74% year on year.
Customer services
This continues to be one of the most competitive sectors in the UK, with the number of jobseekers applying for each position rising by over a third to a frankly huge 41. The jobs market actually grew by a much smaller rate than the national average, with only 11% more roles available in the last quarter. Combine this with a 50% increase in applications, and you have that inevitable squeezing of jobseekers in an already competitive market.
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