Business

Fewer job vacancies in Northern Ireland says REC

MORE than 140,000 new job adverts were posted across the UK last week, the highest since the onset of the pandemic, meaning there are currently 1.37 million active vacancies and suggesting an influx of people getting back into work.

But Northern Ireland, which is still in a stricter lockdown than other regions, isn't seeing the same job market impetus according to research from the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC)

The three best weeks for new postings since the start of the pandemic have come since March 8, suggesting increase in hiring as restrictions begin to ease, REC said.

There is continued growth for roles in hospitality, as well as rise in adverts for photographers, electrical technicians and health & safety officers.

But four of the bottom 10 council areas across the entire UK for job listings were in Northern Ireland, the REC said.

Mid & East Antrim (minus 14.0 per cent) was second overall behind Medway for job postings followed by Ards & North Down (-10.8 per cent), Causeway Coast & Glens (-8.8 per cent) and Antrim & Newtownabbey (-8.4 per cent).

REC chief executive Neil Carberry said: “The busy barbers and pub gardens in England this week are a sign that large sections of our economy are getting going again – and this growing confidence is reflected in hiring activity.

“But not every sector or region of the country will recover at the same rate, and many people will need help finding a job or transitioning into a new industry.

“Data from Northern Ireland in particular is concerning – and businesses there are looking to their politicians to deliver clarity and stability to post-Brexit arrangements, so that they can invest with confidence.”