Brown was commenting on the latest REC/KPMG Jobs Outlook for August. The poll of 400 recruiters and employers suggests more than half (53.5%) had fewer available candidates for permanent roles in July than the previous month. Only 8% reported that they saw an increase in available candidates.
This is the thirteenth consecutive month the number of available candidates has fallen. It is also the steepest decline seen since the report began in 1988.
The persistent lack of candidates has driven up starting salaries. More than one-third (35.9%) of employers offered higher starting wages in July than June – compared to just 1.5% whose initial pay offers decreased.
Despite the long-term decline in candidates, Brown sees the outlook as a positive sign that the UK is outperforming its European neighbours in terms of recovery.
“Some of our operations team have aspirations of becoming large goods vehicle (LGV) drivers, and we have a programme in place for this,” he said. “It’s not only helpful to them and their career, but it makes sense for us to train from within rather than look elsewhere in the sector.”
