The Office for National Statistics reports that November 2021 to January 2022 saw the overall number of vacancies reaching another record high of 1,298,400, though the rate of growth continues to slow.

In November 2021 to January 2022, the total number of vacancies increased by 113,600 in the quarter, with the largest increase of vacancies seen in accommodation and food service activities, which was up 21,400 to a new record of 178,300 vacancies. UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls had previous said – before the current increase – that the sector was experiencing widespread recruitment challenges. 

Across most industries, the ratio of vacancies to every 100 employee jobs continued to rise, reaching a record high of 4.3 in November 2021 to January 2022 – the majority of industry sectors displayed record high ratios.

See details in the Feb22 ONS report here.

Read the ONS report on the labour market here.