“A recent discussion in our recruitment peer group highlighted the issues. Some members told us that candidates had refused jobs because they could take their choice of available positions and some had received counter offers.
“We’ve also seen a huge reduction in the number of candidates coming forward, especially for technical roles.”
Competition
With a reported 1.1 million current vacancies in the UK, and many people still on furlough until the end of September, the situation is extremely volatile, she says.
And competition for good people is fierce. “Some salaries have gone through the roof – for example, a software developer with two years’ experience can command £50,000 a year. Many companies simply cannot compete.”
Widening the search for candidates – including looking overseas for talent – brings its own challenges, says Claire, as resources are needed to manage visas or to arrange to pay people in other countries. Even those employers who opt to bring graduates or apprentices on board need budgets for training and people to supervise and mentor new recruits, which is not always feasible in smaller firms.
“In addition, the pandemic has made hybrid and flexible working the norm. This was once a less common benefit which helped to differentiate employers and make them more attractive, but it is no longer the case. It’s also harder to ‘sell’ an organisation based on culture or working environment if people are less likely to be working on-site.”
Solutions
So what are the solutions? Claire says: “Our members are increasingly using jobs boards like the Recruitment Gateway to advertise opportunities and spread the net as widely as possible. They are also working on employer brand and looking at their own website careers pages to find new ways to attract applications.”
Jobs Fairs are another route to reach potential recruits and Cambridge Network has seen several leading local employers already sign up to exhibit at its next virtual event on Friday 19 November.
“This is the fastest and busiest uptake we’ve ever had for one of our events,” adds Claire, “with our members keen to fill vacancies in all areas.
“These cover marketing, HR, finance, supply chain, logistics, software development and a range of engineering disciplines. Many are offering key scientific research and analysis positions as well as laboratory and technician roles.
“The recruitment landscape is changing because there are so many external factors that can flip the situation on its head from one month to the next. We are determined to help our members navigate this uncertain period and find the people they need to thrive and succeed.”
Looking for a job? Find out more and sign up for the Jobs Fair here
This article first appeared in Business Weekly