THE number of job vacancies across the UK has increased as Covid restrictions start to lift, new research suggests.
The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) said 146,000 new job adverts were posted in the third week of March, giving a total of 1.29 million on offer.
The number has increased in recent weeks, especially for veterinary nurses, bricklayers, sales and retail assistants, as well as roles in hospitality, it said in a report.
There has also been a higher proportion of adverts for temporary jobs in recent weeks, according to the REC.
Chief executive Neil Carberry said the last two weeks were the best for new jobs postings for a year, adding: "There are particularly positive signs for the retail, leisure and hospitality industries, as businesses in those sectors look to prepare for reopening.
"We continue to see the importance of temporary work in helping businesses and workers get back on their feet."
He added: "As we reach the tail end of the pandemic, job creation is returning. But it's clear that the recovery will not recreate exactly the same economy as we had before.
"Pathways into work matter - especially for young people, who have been most severely affected by the last year. But so do job transitions into growing sectors that are already facing labour and skills shortages.
"Reforming our skills system, including the apprenticeship levy, and making the new immigration system work more effectively for our economy will be key debates in the months and years to come."
