Jubilee 'curbs job availability'
The number of job vacancies fell in the last few months, partly because of the extended Diamond Jubilee break, according to a study.Research by employment website totaljobs.com showed a 6% fall in available jobs in the second quarter of the year compared with the first three months.
The Diamond Jubilee break, and the Easter weekend, reduced the number of days on which employers could post new jobs, said the report.
Jobs for graduates also fell by 6%, although there was an increase in general vacancies in some sectors, including engineering and manufacturing.
The study of 5,000 recruiters showed an average of 17 applications per job, down from 20 in the first quarter, but 5% up on a year ago.
There were 23 applications per job in London, up from 22, and 20 in Wales, up from 17.
John Salt, director of totaljobs.com, said: "When you look over the year the situation looks much improved with more jobs around for people to apply for. However, the quarterly fall in vacancies corresponds to increased economic pressures - a double-dip recession and continued eurozone uncertainty, which is making it tough for businesses to take the risk of investing in new staff.
"At the same time, as unemployment has fallen, confidence has returned amongst in-work jobseekers who, along with those who have remained unemployed, are going for every opportunity out there, which has boosted competition."
There were 23 applications per job in London, up from 22, and 20 in Wales, up from 17.
John Salt, director of totaljobs.com, said: "When you look over the year the situation looks much improved with more jobs around for people to apply for. However, the quarterly fall in vacancies corresponds to increased economic pressures - a double-dip recession and continued eurozone uncertainty, which is making it tough for businesses to take the risk of investing in new staff.
"At the same time, as unemployment has fallen, confidence has returned amongst in-work jobseekers who, along with those who have remained unemployed, are going for every opportunity out there, which has boosted competition."
© 2013 Press Association