Job vacanies in Leeds take a hit

The data, provided by business intelligence specialist Vacancysoft, revealed that the consumer goods and services sector has noted the largest fall in vacancies with hiring down 68 per cent year-on-year.

In comparison, the real estate and construction arena has fared comparably better with vacancies decreasing by 34.8 per cent.

This can be attributed, in part, to the housing market which has proved to be particularly resilient in recent months, with monthly price rises in ten out of twelve regions.

There has also been welcome news from Sure Group which has invested £250,000 in new facilities in the region bringing a much needed jobs boost.

Moya Rylands, membership director at the Association of Professional Staffing Companies, said: “Leeds has certainly been hit hard over the past few months as Covid-19 forced business to close, so it’s is perhaps unsurprising to see such a fall in vacancy numbers.

"And with the furlough scheme winding down – which is currently supporting 344,000 people in the West Yorkshire region – it remains to be seen what impact this will have on the professional recruitment sector.

"Despite this, however, there are glimmers of hope, and with the housing market on an upward trajectory and new investment in the region we are hopeful that other sectors will start to pick up once more in the not too distant future.”