Advertised vacancies reach 1.1 million in Christmas run up but some pay down

Jobs site Adzuna recorded a 2.6% rise in vacancies in October compared with the previous month, as employers took on temporary staff in the run up to Christmas.

Average salaries in retail firms fell by 8.8% compared with the same time last year, with a similar cut in the consultancy industry, research found.

In contrast, jobs in healthcare and nursing were being advertised with an average increase of 5.9%.

Doug Monro, co-founder of Adzuna, said: “Jobseekers and employees are at the forefront of government intentions as the key messages from the Autumn Statement highlight a new direction for the labour market that should work for everyone.

“The jobs market has opened up new, lucrative opportunities for jobseekers as the number of total vacancies is on the up and catering to a wider and diverse talent pool. Both self-employment and employment are on the rise.

“Jobseekers looking to earn additional income, in particular graduates, can take advantage of the Christmas seasonality at a time when temporary and part-time roles become most accessible.

“Vacancies within the retail sector are especially attractive due to the flexibility and lower entry level requirements.”