Graduate job adverts

While recruitment is returning to normal levels in many industries (with hospitality being the notable exception for obvious reasons) graduates, in particular, continue to be hit hard with recruitment levels from graduate schemes a third of what it was a year ago. What will the long term impact of the pandemic be on younger people?

When the first lockdown began in March 2020, recruitment plummeted in virtually every sector. Some, such as hospitality and retail, have understandably struggled to recover ever since, while other sectors such as construction have returned to normal levels of recruitment.

University students have already felt significant strain during the pandemic. Many young people have become socially isolated and unable to enjoy the full university experience with classes moving mainly online. Those who have recently graduated now face a further struggle as they enter the job market. 

Graduate job adverts, which just before the pandemic were three times higher than average, fell sharply once lockdown began. Worryingly, while some sectors showed signs of recovery, the graduate job market has remained cautious, and the number of job adverts throughout the COVID crisis remains well below the level from a year ago. 

With a roadmap now in place to bring us out of lockdown restrictions, many students and graduates will be looking for signs of recovery in the job market to boost their prospects are they begin their careers.