The UK labor market is under intense pressure with the number of applications submitted for every job advertised skyrocketing, reflecting deep-rooted economic uncertainties and a tight recruitment climate.
According to data from talent acquisition platform Tribepad, the average number of applications per job opening reached 48.7 in November, a staggering 286% increase from the same month last year. Overall, candidates are sending far more CVs: total applications between September and November rose to more than 4.5 million, a 64% increase over the same year.
The figures were released just weeks after the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget, which prompted businesses to rein in spending and hiring. Tribepad analysis suggests a 24% year-on-year decline in roles advertised between September and November, despite a modest seasonal increase as retailers and hospitality companies expand over the festive period. November alone saw a particularly sharp decline, with job advertisements down 43% compared to 2023.
This imbalance—lack of jobs and abundance of applicants—puts employers and candidates on edge. Despite the introduction of common recruiting platforms and automated hiring tools, employers face an influx of applications that can be difficult to manage. Some analysts suggest that the rise may be due in part to job seekers using artificial intelligence to create more applications more quickly, seeking to maximize their opportunities in a harsh environment.
At the same time, workers are feeling the pressure. After 28 straight months of declining job openings, opportunities are scarce and competition is fierce. While some sectors, including retail and hospitality, have been given a short reprieve in the fall, many companies are either scaling back permanent hires or shifting resources elsewhere.
Dean Sadler, CEO of Tripad, said: “The significant rise in the number of applications per job to nearly 50 on average is a clear sign of a highly competitive market. Employers must rethink their recruitment strategies not only to deal with While sizing efficiently, but to ensure fairness and remove bias it is crucial that, despite the flux, the recruitment process remains fair, giving everyone a fair chance.
As economic headwinds continue to impact businesses and households alike, the UK labor market looks set to remain a tough battleground in the new year.