Competition for engineering jobs ramps up ahead of furlough scheme ending, with job applications up by 22.2%

According to the latest job market data from CV-Library, UK independent jobs board, applications to engineering jobs were up by 22.2% across the UK last month, with the application to job ratio soaring by a massive 95.3% year-on-year. 

The job board analysed its data from September 2020, comparing the findings with September 2019 and August 2020 to build an understanding of how the job market is fairing right now. It reveals that job applications for engineering roles have also spiked by a small 0.5% month-on-month, as professionals prepare for the furlough scheme to end. 

Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library, comments: “While we saw a dip in applications back in August, they picked up significantly in September, which tends to happen as people adopt the ‘back to school’ mindset. That said, we do know that the furlough scheme is due to end in a matter of weeks now and while the government is offering further support through its Job Support Scheme, professionals are clearly nervous about their prospects and competition for jobs is ramping up.” 

When looking at the amount of job opportunities on offer, the data shows that engineering vacancies were down by 37.4% year-on-year. 

However, the findings show that while job numbers are much lower than a year ago, they are picking up every month. In fact, vacancies rose by 23.9% in the engineering industry month-on-month. 

In addition to this, CV-Library’s salary data shows that average pay for engineering roles was down by 1% month-on-month, but up by 3.7% year-on-year. 

Biggins continues: “Every week we’re seeing more jobs being advertised on our site and, while vacancies are nowhere near levels that they were at a year ago, this is a promising indicator that the job market is headed in the right direction. That said, we know that many businesses and job seekers are still struggling and are worried about what a second wave will mean for their prospects. All we can do for now is sit tight and weather the storm through the autumn and winter months.”