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Just one in ten furloughed workers is looking urgently for a new job

As the Job Retention Scheme enters its final weeks, only 11% of workers still on furlough are searching urgently for a new job, according to new research from the world’s largest job site Indeed. The labour market has rebounded strongly since the end of lockdown, with the unemployment rate falling to 4.7% and job postings surging past pre-pandemic levels. However, at the same time, employers across a range of sectors are struggling to fill vacancies. Over half of people currently out of work are not actively seeking a new job, while many unemployed workers are being selective about what they apply for because they have a sufficient financial cushion.

As the Job Retention Scheme enters its final weeks, only 11% of workers still on furlough are searching urgently for a new job1, according to new research from the world’s largest job site Indeed

Nearly three-quarters of furloughed workers not seeking a new role expect to return to their jobs when the scheme ends at the end of September

Over half (56%) of people currently out of work are not actively seeking a new job, while many unemployed workers are being selective about what they apply for because they have a sufficient financial cushion

Only 11% of workers who are on furlough or not working are urgently seeking a job1, even as the Job Retention Scheme is due to end in just over a month’s time, according to new research from the world’s largest job site Indeed.

The labour market has rebounded strongly since the end of lockdown, with the unemployment rate falling to 4.7%2 and job postings surging past pre-pandemic levels.

At the same time, employers across a range of sectors are struggling to fill vacancies.

Indeed’s research suggests a lack of urgency among jobseekers to find a new role, even if they are unemployed or still on furlough, may be contributing to these challenges.

Overall, just 7% of all workers surveyed, including those working full or part-time, said they were urgently seeking a new role, rising to 11% among those on furlough or unemployed.

In total, two-fifths (41%) of those still on furlough are not searching for a new job, along with over half (56%) of those not currently in work.

1 5,000 UK adults aged 18-64 were surveyed by Indeed from July 1Among those on furlough and not searching for work, 71% said they weren’t looking because they expected to return to their pre-pandemic job. Nearly two million workers were still on furlough as of the end of June, with the scheme due to end at the end of September.

Meanwhile, 12% of those on furlough indicated they were not comfortable returning to in-person work due to COVID-19, while 9% believed there was no work available nearby, and 6% said they had caring responsibilities.

Even among those who are currently unemployed and actively searching for work, many are being choosier about the roles they apply for because they have some financial security. Around 30% of unemployed people who are not urgently looking for work said they had a financial cushion sufficient for some time.

Nearly a fifth (17%) of people without a job said they could manage because their spouse or partner was still employed. Meanwhile, 15% said they were not urgently looking for work due to COVID-19 fears. Another 14% said they could get by on their benefits, while 13% indicated their search wasn’t pressing because they had caring responsibilities.

A third (33%) of all workers said they would not be looking for a job until more opportunities became available. Almost a fifth (17%) said they would like to start a new job after taking holiday or time off, while 10% reported they would like to wait until the new school year starts.

Jack Kennedy, UK economist at the global job site, Indeed, comments: “Many employers are desperate for staff, but a significant portion of the workforce appear surprisingly relaxed about finding work, preferring to wait for more job opportunities to emerge.

“Even with the end of the furlough scheme looming, most are feeling optimistic about returning to their workplace and so are in no rush to find a new job. But with almost two million people still on the furlough job retention scheme, some may soon learn they will not be going back and will therefore need to start actively searching.

“The financial cushions enjoyed by some unemployed workers will also eventually erode, and will create a greater sense of urgency among those currently out of work but still happy to sit on the sidelines.

“For now, amid a backdrop of robust labour demand and a strong sellers’ market, most people seem to feel they can be choosy about their next job move.”

2-20, 2020. Weights were applied to each survey to match respondent distributions across age, gender, region, education and ethnicity based on data from the Office for National Statistics. 

2 ONS – Labour Market Statistics

3 Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme statistics

indeed.com

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