Looking for work this festive season? Following the pandemic, employment rates seem to have increased ever so slightly according to the latest statistics and following the end of the furlough scheme in September 2021 there are over 900 thousand available jobs listed each month in the UK with a record high of 1.1 million job vacancies in the three months to September 2021. This is over half a million more jobs than the previous year.
So, with all these jobs available, what are the most in demand jobs right now? We touch on just some of the jobs that employers are desperate for candidates to fill their positions below:
1. Lorry drivers – Salary of £19,000 - £40,000 depending on experience.
If you haven’t heard, (who hasn’t) the country is in great demand for lorry drivers to serve the whole of the UK with supplies such as fuel and groceries supplies, as well as much needed mechanical supplies to serve the likes of car garages etc. According to the Road Haulage Association, there is a shortage of 100,000 HGV drivers across the UK to date.
2. Nurses & Doctors – Salary starts from an average of £28,000 for juniors and specialists from £45,000 upwards depending on qualifications and experience.
Following the excruciating pressure of the pandemic on all of our services within the NHS, there is so much pressure added to catch up on patients who were sadly placed on agonising waiting lists as a result, not to mention more severe illnesses from being in isolation for months on end. These jobs are not for the faint of heart with long hours and high pressures, but they can be one of the most rewarding jobs around in assisting patients in better health. Highly qualified consultants and surgeons can even earn a basic salary in excess of £80,000.
3. Digital Marketing Consultants – Salary can be anywhere from £20,000 to £40,000 depending on experience.
It may be as a result of the pandemic, but a lot of companies are seeking specialists in digital marketing to help grow their business for the new year and drive further sales leads to their websites through Search Engine Optimisation, Pay Per Click and Social Media management. Being able to manage a website and enhance it is a very desired skill at the moment, meaning your skillset is a very valuable asset in a business’ growth plan. What’s more, there are plenty of free and cheap online courses available to enhance this skill.
4. School & Nursery Staff – Average salary starts from £19,000 - £34,000
For any new mums from last year, you will know how difficult it is to find a nursery placement in your area for your child / children. For safety reasons, nursery staff are allocated no more than three children to manage at any one time and rooms of certain ages can only service up to an average of 9 children, meaning there is a vast need for more staff to help nurseries grow and take on more children. It is similar for schools. There needs to be sufficient teaching staff and assistants to help children grow and develop efficiently and in line with the government backed schemes. According to statistics, the UK is short of over 30,000 school and nursery staff at present.
5. Chefs – Commis Chefs £12,000 - £16,000, Sous Chefs £20,000 - £30,000 and Head Chefs £25,000 - £55,000+
Fancy yourself a bit of a whiz in the kitchen? If you think you could be the next Master Chef or Mary Berry, then this is a great career for you with huge earning potential the higher up the career ladder you go. Following the pandemic, the hospitality industry was one of the hardest to be hit and many people left their jobs in the uncertainty, though since restrictions lifted, many people wanted to get back out of the house to enjoy the dining experience with friends and family, particularly with the festive and party season arriving. Sadly, the same demand has not been taken up by candidates for the kitchen staff and so restaurants and cafes alike are screaming out for staff to manage their demand. In fact, there is a shortage of almost 30,000 kitchen staff in the UK at present.
6. Sales Assistants – Average salary of £17,000 – £22,000
Need a little extra cash this season? Shops are desperate for sales assistants to help meet their customer demand in people shopping for their much-needed Christmas gifts, decoration and even food! This is the perfect job for someone straight out of school or even someone looking for part time work to help cover the bills. So have a look at your nearest supermarkets, clothing or home stores as they’re most likely desperate for extra staff this season.
So, there you have it! Just some of the top required careers that employers are practically screaming out for RIGHT NOW! Remember, there are still a lot more candidates looking for work then usual at the moment, so although your chances may be improved in these jobs due to the demand, you still need to ensure your CV stands out from the crowd.
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