The number of job vacancies in August to October 2021 in the United Kingdom continued to rise to a new record of 1,172,000, an increase of 388,000 from the pre-coronavirus pandemic January to March 2020 level, with 15 of the 18 industry sectors showing record high, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics. In August to October 2021 all industry sectors were above their January to March 2020 pre-coronavirus pandemic levels, with accommodation and food service activities increasing the most by 66,500 (79%).

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August to October 2021 saw all industries above their January to March 2020 pre-coronavirus pandemic levels, with the largest increase in accommodation and food service activities up by 66,500 (79.0%). The reopening of the economy earlier this year aided the growth in vacancies; from the period April to June 2021, when the vacancy figure first exceeded pre-coronavirus pandemic levels, the total number of vacancies has increased by 309,500 (35.9%)

The current ratio of 3.9 vacancies to 100 employees remains the highest on record with all industries increasing on the quarter. Accommodation and food service activities continued with the highest ratio of 6.7 vacancies to every 100 employees.

On a positive note, on the quarter, the rate of growth in vacancies continued to slow down; in August to October 2021 vacancies rose 222,000 (23.4%), down from 288,000 (43.4%) last quarter. The largest quarterly increase was seen in "wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles" up 29,600 (24.8%).

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