Human Resources Resources - Demand Outstrips Supply

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09 June 2017 | Updated 01 January 1970

Demand for HR professionals rose 4% year on year to March 2017 according to the latest data from The Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo).

The number of vacancies for recruitment specialists within this group increased by 12% over the same period.

The pivotal month for the period was March 2017, which saw a 9% increase when compared to March 2016. The top sectors for HR openings over the past year were advertising and media, with vacancy growth of 34% and 33% respectively.

The data, which was based on analytics provided by Vacancysoft, found that Greater London, unsurprisingly, continues to be home to the lion’s share of HR vacancies, with almost half (43%) of the country’s roles based in this region. However, this represents a slight contraction of 1% year-on-year, while others areas such as the West Midlands and the South-East have experienced an increase in demand (14% and 11% respectively).

Geopolitical uncertainty

Ann Swain, chief executive of APSCo, commented on the report saying: “The fact that demand for HR professionals has increased year-on-year is unsurprising when you consider the current level of wider geopolitical uncertainty. The ability for a business to thrive in a post-Brexit world relies on it being able to attract and retain vital skills. Potential legislative changes associated with the UK’s exit from the European Union - and indeed a new Government - mean that organisations are bringing on board expertise in this area to ensure they are prepared for and resilient to change.

“It is also no shock that demand for recruitment specialists is outstripping general HR vacancies. According to the latest APSCo Deloitte Recruitment Index, 61% of recruitment leaders say their greatest challenge is growing headcount. It is ironic that organisations are finding it increasingly challenging to recruit recruiters.”

Akerberg Thomas

Akerberg Thomas launched a new Integrated HR service just weeks ago. The two principals - Magnus Akerberg and Emma Thomas - are both timed served in the global property and FM worlds. JLL was home to the pair in senior roles for some years.

On the launch, Emma Thomas said: " We understand that business and HR leaders are being pressed to rewrite the rules for how they organise, recruit, develop, manage, and engage the 21st-century workforce. This workforce is changing. It’s more digital, more global, diverse, automation savvy and social media proficient. At the same time, business expectations, needs, and demands are evolving faster than ever before. Some would view this as challenges but we see this as opportunities about what we believe is going to be the way HR is delivered now and in the future."

Pictured: Magnus Akerberg and Emma Thomas

akerbergthomas.com

Article written by Cathryn Ellis | Published 09 June 2017

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