Employers cut entry-level jobs by almost 25%

Employers in the UK are cutting entry-level roles by 23% due to the Covid-19 crisis and its economic impact said the Institute of Student Employers in their latest survey.

The survey also said that there would be a “volatile” jobs market forecast which could shrink further as 15% of employers expect to scale back recruitment even more in 2021.

Employers are seeking 32% fewer entrants on apprentice or school leaver programmes than originally planned for this year, according to the ISE report.

Graduate jobs have been cut by 12% and internships and placements will also slump, by 40%, says the report.

Employers also said that they had also already withdrawn some existing jobs. Almost a third of employers (31%) are delaying start dates and more than half are planning to induct new starters remotely.

Stephen Isherwood, the chief executive of the ISE, said: “There is no denying that this will be a challenging year for young people entering the labour market.

“Some employers are backing graduates over non-graduates and others have found it too difficult to start new apprenticeships, which means that school leavers will be among the hardest hit by the crisis.

“This doesn’t mean that students should assume the jobs market is dead. Many employers are recruiting and history tells us that we still see unfilled vacancies in a downturn. Switching off is the worst thing students can do. It will only hinder their prospects further when the upturn comes and the jobs market recovers.

“What students can do now much depends on individual circumstances. If you can volunteer or get part-time work, then that’s great. Use online support from careers websites and prepare for virtual interviews and assessment centres. Whatever you do, be proactive. Have a story to tell when you do get that first interview.”

As the world struggles to find a vaccine to the disease, health and pharmaceuticals was found to be the only sector set to increase entry-level recruitment this year.

Finance, professional services, energy and engineering were making the biggest cuts.