The construction industry is bucking the national trend and, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, is providing new opportunities for job hunters.
The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that while overall unemployment rates continue to rise as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, there are encouraging figures from the construction industry which point to its recovery.
The ONS figures, which cover October to December 2020, show that vacancies in the sector are now 8% higher than the same period last year, prior to the emergence of Covid-19.
There are an estimated 28,000 vacancies, another increase from the previous three months, with construction amongst just two sectors experiencing an increase in vacancies overall since December 2019.
To encourage more people to sign up for the wide range of construction roles now needed, a free-to-use recruitment platform, the Construction Talent Retention Scheme, has been launched.
The Construction Talent Retention Scheme is a not-for-profit programme, funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and is backed by business organisations, professional institutions and construction unions.
Samantha Randall, an Associate Solicitor with Palmers Solicitors, who specialises in employment law, said: “The latest ONS figures are welcome news for the sector and illustrate the resilience of construction and engineering businesses as they continue to expand their operations despite the underlying current economic difficulties.
“If your company is currently recruiting, it may also be a good time to review your contracts, employee handbooks and HR systems to ensure they are up to date and compliant.
“At Palmers Solicitors we offer employment law and HR services either to support your in-house team or on an outsourced basis.
“We also supply both fixed price packages and a tailor made service depending on your business needs.”
For help and advice on all aspects of employment law including drafting contracts please contact us.