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Stuart Gentle Publisher at Onrec

1.8 million job applications are made in first two weeks of September as Britain returns to work

The seasonal jobs rush is underway once again with September proving to be a popular time for job vacancies and applications.

  • 20% more jobs advertised in the first two weeks of September compared with the previous fortnight
  • IT and consultancy roles have seen the greatest surge in job applications compared to 2017
  • Year on year data reveals 5% more job applications in the UK

The seasonal jobs rush is underway once again with September proving to be a popular time for job vacancies and applications. New data released today by totaljobs (for the period 1st-14th September) has found that there were 1.8 million job applications made in the first two weeks of September. This represents a 12% increase from the last two weeks of August.

The number of roles advertised on totaljobs also increased by 20% compared to the last fortnight of August with over 105,000 new jobs added, showing that supply is exceeding demand as we near full employment. However, employers don’t need to worry yet, as there has been a 5% year on year increase in applications.

IT and consultancy roles have seen the greatest surge in job applications compared to September 2017 - 125% and 197% respectively. Meanwhile, traditional industries continued to prove popular, with applications up 35% YOY increase in manufacturing roles and 18% YOY in the construction industry.

Top 5 UK industries by YoY application growth:

  • Consultancy – 197%
  • IT and Technology – 125%
  • Design – 87%
  • Science – 70%
  • Banking – 41%

Martin Talbot, Group Marketing Director at totaljobs, said:

“With the warmest summer on record since 1976 behind us, our social calendars slowing down and a new school term beginning, September marks the start of more than just a new season. Many employees who were busy enjoying the summer months have now turned their attention back to work and deciding it might be time for a change.

“This is the first year that we’ve really seen the effect of near full employment visible in the application numbers. With more job opportunities, candidates can be more confident, allowing them to be picky when searching for their ideal job.”