// Job numbers drop by 9.1% in retail, according to CV Library
// Job applications also declining, by 6.9%
// But on a year-on-year basis, retail job applications have plunged 21.3%
Employers in the UK retail industry are still showing signs in their hiring efforts, as new research shows that both job numbers and job applications have declined.
According to research from CV Library, job numbers fell by 9.1 per cent in February when compared to the previous month.
The study also reveals that applications to retail jobs have dropped by a staggering 21.3 per cent year-on-year and 6.9 per cent month-on-month.
READ MORE:
- Retail bucks wider job growth trend as jobs & applications plummet
- 10,000 retail jobs already lost since the start of the year
- 57,000 retail jobs shed in the last year
In comparison, most other industries experienced an improvement in candidate appetite in February, with job applications increasing by 8.2 per cent across the UK as a whole.
“Even though Brexit is now behind us, it appears that employers across the retail industry are still struggling and this is having a negative impact on their candidate attraction offers,” CV Library chief executive Lee Biggins said.
“Unfortunately, with the influx of coronavirus across the nation, businesses may be hit even harder over the coming months, particularly if existing employees need to take time off work.
“For now, organisations must continue to push forward as normal and invest in the most cost-effective recruitment methods.”
Despite jobs and applications dropping, salaries for new retail roles actually increased by 5.8 per cent year-on-year and a 1.4 per cent month-on-month.
“The increase in pay is promising and may well be a tactic from retailers to drive more applicants,” Biggins said.
“However, if you aren’t able to offer competitive wages, you’ll need to consider what else you provide that sets you apart from the competition.
“This could be flexible working, or a larger holiday allowance.
“If you don’t make your jobs attractive and cater to their needs, candidates will find another employer who will.”
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
