Recruitment for HR roles has almost returned to pre-pandemic levels, with a notable shift towards positions centred on employee relations, according to a new report.
These roles comprised 17.5% of all HR vacancies in 2023, increasing to 21.2% in the first half of this year. The data, published by a Manchester-based recruitment marketplace, indicates that companies may be investing more in their workforce retention strategies.
This year, skills in general HR, training and learning, and employee relations are in higher demand, rather than internal recruitment or talent acquisition. Overall, vacancies in the HR and talent acquisition sector have remained subdued, but there are signs that the change in government could spur growth in the autumn.
Simon Swan, founder of the recruitment marketplace, remarked, “While there have been fewer HR vacancies in 2024 compared to 2023, now that the Labour Party is in power and considering their plans to reform employment law, businesses are likely to expand their HR teams once the new government’s policies are confirmed, especially the proposed changes around ‘hire and fire’.”
The report, based on research by a provider of labour market data and analytics, utilises information gathered from career centres of company websites, focusing on unique job postings. It reveals that HR labour activity has decreased across UK regions.
While London is on track to match last year’s vacancy levels, other regions have experienced a decline, with the north west and north east facing the most significant drops. Simon Swan explained, “Given these are Labour heartlands, it’s expected that the new government will boost investment in these areas, driving an increase in job volumes into next year.”
The retail, travel, and leisure sectors have seen the most considerable declines in HR vacancies, whereas technology companies are increasingly hiring HR professionals. The accountancy sector has also seen substantial growth, with a 28% increase in vacancies this year, making it the best-performing industry.
James Chaplin, CEO of the labour market data provider, noted, “The HR function is often viewed as a barometer for corporate health. Whatever the business is doing will manifest in its hiring for HR professionals.” The data highlights an increase in training, learning, and employee relations vacancies, signifying a greater focus on workforce development. The question remains whether this trend will persist into the autumn.
The report suggests a resurgence in HR recruitment, with an emphasis on employee relations and workforce development. The upcoming government policies could further drive this trend.