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How does the job market look from where you are?

ended 11. September 2024

This morning, the Office for National Statistics released their latest employment data showing what economists call a “Goldilocks scenario”. Unemployment is at its lowest since January, and wage growth is strong. So, according to the data, the economy is not too hot and not too cold, it’s just right.

We’re asking for your experiences on what you’re seeing in the jobs market on the ground. 

  1. Are you seeing any trends forming? If so what?
  2. Does the official employment data support what you’re seeing on the ground?
  3. Any other thoughts on the current employment market?

Jot down your views on one or more of the above questions below. 

2 responses from the Newspage community

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Editor
Gabriel McKeown
Head of Macroeconomics at Sad Rabbit - Substack Newsletter
In a twist that would make even Goldilocks scratch her head, the UK labour market appears to be serving up porridge that's neither too hot nor too cold. The latest employment data paints a picture of an economy that's seemingly ‘just right’; however, whether this is truly a Goldilocks Economy or Fool's Gold remains to be seen.

With a remarkably resilient labour market, falling unemployment and still elevated wage growth, this could prompt the BoE to maintain its hawkish stance for longer than originally anticipated. Consequently, caution is warranted with significant interest rate changes on the horizon, coupled with a palpable sense of unease surrounding the autumn statement.
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Amelia Brooke
Career Coach & Certified CV Writer at Amelia Brooke Career Vision
It’s tough out there!

The ONS might report low unemployment, but challenges exist beyond the numbers. The jobs market is flooded with "ghost" jobs—roles that aren’t genuinely being filled, scammers trying to harvest personal details through fake listings. Candidates at all levels are facing excessive rounds of hoop jumping and complex hiring processes; plus, some companies seem to expect high-level expertise in what should be entry-level roles.

I have a recent example where one of my clients completed the interview process for two positions at the same company—a repetitive and exhausting process that took six months. While they managed to secure a more senior title, the salary remained the same; they simply accepted the offer just for the chance at stability and to save their sanity.