Round-up of the week

Referendum uncertainty hits rise in permanent placements

The number of permanent and temporary job placements went up during May, albeit at a slightly slower pace than in the previous month.

According to the latest Report on Jobs by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and Markit, this is partly because of ongoing uncertainty ahead of the EU referendum.

Kevin Green, chief executive of the REC, commented: "UK businesses are now facing candidate shortages in nearly every sector of the economy. 

"We need more people with the right skills for the jobs that are available. Despite this, employers are showing uncertainty about hiring in the run-up to the EU referendum."

Mr Green has therefore urged policymakers to take a "sensible approach" to immigration regardless of the outcome, so employers have access to the people they need.

"Sourcing workers from outside the UK is going to be an ongoing necessity if we are to continue seeing the British economy grow," he stated.

"The UK job market has been incredibly successful over the last seven years because of its dynamism and flexibility. Policymakers have a responsibility not to derail that success.”

Employers should be flexible on referendum day, says CBI

Businesses have been urged to be flexible on June 23rd to ensure every employee gets the chance to cast their vote.

According to the CBI, the decision on whether or not to stay in the European Union is "the biggest decision that most of us will get to vote on in our lifetimes".

Carolyn Fairbairn, director-general of the CBI, has therefore requested that employers do all they can to help their staff have the time to cast their vote.

"That might mean showing greater flexibility on when they expect employees to arrive at work and leave for the day, or perhaps see how shift patterns can be adjusted as a one-off," she commented.

Ms Fairbairn noted that the decision on whether or not to stay in the EU will have serious implications for jobs, the economy and opportunities for young people in the coming years.

This, she said, means it is important that everybody has their say.

"Only by having a clear result, where everyone’s voice has been heard will we be able to build stability and move on after the vote, whatever the outcome," Ms Fairbairn added.

Millions of employees 'want flexibility'

The CBI's call coincides with Great Place to Work's insistence that millions of British workers want the opportunity to work flexibly.

Indeed, spokeswoman Helen Wright said research has proven that it is one of the top priorities among workers, especially millennials.

Nearly one in four employees cited this is a priority, with the figure rising to 32 per cent among the millennial generation.

Pay and other financial benefits were also significant requirements for a role among British workers, along with job security and a good location or easy commute.

Job satisfaction was found to be another key issue, with nearly one in three saying their role should be interesting and/or enjoyable.

To discuss conditions in the labour market and operating environment further, speak to one of our experts here at The Maine Group!