The Big Change From Employers In 2021

Two heads are better than one, when relationships become two-way, problems are shared and solutions are found.

As we come to the end of the summer, the team looks at how the willingness to build, exchange ideas and work together has been notable from employers, so far, this year.

Lucy Eaton, Senior Recruitment Consultant, identifies the way that conversations feel very open, “This year has presented so many curve balls for so many businesses. 2021 has been the year where there are plenty of jobs, but not enough candidates. When an employer is faced with this challenge, it helps when the discussion is open with each other. I’ve worked with clients who have been prepared to step back and we figure out the answer together.”

During July, there was a 43% increase in the number of permanent roles advertised by recruitment agencies and 53% for temp roles, compared to 2020 by the Association of Professional Staffing Companies.

Rob Bruce, Senior Recruitment Consultant, recognises the shortage of labour has encouraged a more direct conversation. “When there was a lot of people available to work, employers were at an advantage. You have probably seen on LinkedIn the companies that were sharing stories of hundreds of applications for roles. There was a glut of availability. Where we are today, they realise how tough it can be when finding the right people. This is how strong bonds are formed when you can figure out a result together. This has been noted from my side this year and is a good move forwards.”

The challenges employers are faced in some sectors present something they haven’t seen before. The number of UK job vacancies rose above 1 million people for the first time on record during July, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Vicki Reeks, industrial Manager, highlights the fact that employers are open for new thinking during busy periods, “Some sectors are coming into peak season and now have so much to contend with. From EU workers not returning to the UK amid COVID to right to work checks, it presents a lot of scenarios. However, businesses still need to make themselves and the jobs they are looking to fill, appealing to others. It means a lot when a client is up for the challenge, recognise there are questions to be answered and they come to the team for help. On a recruiter side, you have to be knowledgeable of a marketplace if you are willing to contribute.”  

At its core recruitment is everything about the relationships formed and maintained. When there is a shortage of labour, it’s the consultive approach and willingness for both recruiter and employer to work things through and deliver a way forward based on trust and openness.