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Stuart Gentle Publisher at Onrec

UK job market defiant under pressure of the third national lockdown

Job postings for first full month of lockdown three are up +165% on lockdown one

As the UK finishes its first full month in a third national lockdown, the latest job market data from the UK’s leading independent job board, CV-Library, reveals the full extent of its strength and vigour.  

When compared to the first full month of lockdown one in March 2020, the number of job postings were up a huge +165.3%. For the duration of lockdown two (November 2020) when the market fared much better, job postings are still +34.8% higher over the first month of lockdown three.  

The most revealing data lies in the year-on- year comparison. With many industries currently forced to close down, massive annual declines were anticipated but, the reality is very different. Monthly job postings witnessed an annual decline of less than 10% at just -8.5%.  

Broken down by industry, the COVID-19 patterns are still clear when compared to 2020. Job postings in the catering sector are down -76.3%, leisure and tourism fell -67.8% and retail dropped by –56% year-on-year.  

Unsurprisingly, the annual increases are seen in the medical and distribution sectors, rising by +38.3% and +37.9% respectively. In addition, telecoms roles saw a +48.5% uplift and there was a +33.7% surge in the posting of management roles. 

Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library comments: “In the toughest of times the resilience of the UK job market is remarkable. With several sectors unable to operate and others forced to adapt, it’s fantastic to see job postings return to near pre-pandemic levels.”

Biggins continues: “UK businesses have risen to the challenge of a third national lockdown and are on track to emerge from these latest restrictions stronger than any other period of restraint since the onset of COVID-19. In light of these latest figures, there is reason to feel optimistic about the future of the UK economy.”

For full details of CV-Library's live jobs go to: CV-Library jobs