We’ve been keeping on top of trends in the Recruitment Industry with The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and the CBI. Their most recent reports shows the Recruitment Industry going from strength to strength and its growing value to the UK economy. A recent CBI survey shows 41% of UK companies expect to grow their workforces in 2017, particularly in the science, technology, construction and professional sectors.

There was a time of uncertainty for many with political decisions – mainly Brexit – having an immediate impact on the economy in 2016. However, with the economy recovering to a more stable position, and companies beginning to show an increased security in recruiting, predictions show a continued growth in Recruitment Industry.

The Value of the Recruitment Industry Within the UK

Across 2015/16 the REC report shows us that Recruitment sat above both the Advertising & Market Research Industry and the Food & Beverage Industry. At 35.1b, this was an increase of 9% from the previous year.

The Recruitment sector is incredibly valuable to the UK economy and will continue to be so. For example, with trends such as flexible working on the increase candidates can make more use of agencies. Employers, in turn, are making more use of agency workers for short-term and interim positions

A recent 2016 REC survey showed 47% of employers that utilising agency workers to gain short-term access to key strategic skills was important
to their organisation.

CEO of the REC, Kevin Green, is keen for the government to recognise the value of the Recruitment Industry and calls for further support.

Recruitment Industry Growth Despite Brexit

Not only has the Recruitment Industry been strong, but it’s predicted to continue to grow; despite Brexit remaining a concern amongst Recruiters.

The impact that Brexit has will vary across different sectors. Niki Chasworth notes that “while Brexit fears may be affecting confidence, leaving the EU does not seem to be affecting hiring”. The real impact of Brexit remains to be seen when the process of leaving the EU begins.

Second to Brexit, skills shortages remain. Ten Live’s International Recruitment Consultant Gerry Boyle says specifically “In the engineering, accountancy, logistics and construction sectors we are… aware of major skills shortages”.

General Recruitment Trends

With construction being the largest industry in the UK it is no surprise that recruiters are constantly making placements within the sector. In particular Industrial/Blue Collar and Technical Engineering feature highly.

Our newest addition to the Ten Live recruitment team,  Gerry Boyle explained;

“Other growth sectors we are seeing [growth] include education, health, business services, logistics/distribution, and food and drink.”

Read more of Gerry’s thoughts on future trends in his introductory blog.

Our team of consultants are experts in their fields, highly-skilled and experienced in attracting and placing the most talented individuals with top UK and international companies.

Together with our global pool of candidates and our ISO-accredited and leading-edge technology search and selection methodologies our experts can source for any role and will go that extra mile to find the most talented people to meet any job requirements, including those in-demand and hard-to fill roles in the UK and overseas.