It’s a tough time in the jobs market, as firms struggle to operate or shed staff to cut costs.
The recent collapse of Topshop owner Arcadia and Debenhams could ultimately lead to 25,000 job losses in the retail sector.
But job vacancies are being posted at 77% of this time last year, and the government has announced it will offer hundreds of free retraining courses.
Which sectors are hiring?
At the end of 2020, the volume of online job adverts posted was at 77% of the number posted last year.
But some sectors have recovered more strongly than others. Education vacancies are still at 88% of last year’s level, and the government is offering bursaries and scholarships for teacher training in certain subjects.
Healthcare vacancies are at 92% of last year’s level, and funding has begun for hundreds of nurse apprenticeships in England.
By contrast, the rate of catering and hospitality vacancies is down by three quarters on the same time last year.
However, Energy, Manufacturing, Construction, Tech, and sciences are thriving.
Businesses are starting to adapt and move forward during covid, giving staff the ability to work from home whilst still providing a service to clients.