However, these figures are hugely impacted by the sectors most affected by the second lockdown. The number of jobs available in Retail and Purchasing fell by -59.5%, Leisure and Tourism saw declines of -61.5%, with catering faring the worst of all year-on-year, with a -69.7% drop.  

The more positive news from the data shows Distribution and Social Care both recording a year-on-year increase in job postings with +66.3% and +17.1%, respectively.   

The real seasonal impact is clear when comparing this period (1st October 2020 –23rd November 2020) to the 2020 monthly average. Almost all sectors are significantly up with overall +67.6% uplift. 

Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library comments: “Whilst there’s no escaping the true impact of this second lockdown on the UK Economy, these numbers are more positive than some of the forecasters predicted and there is a seasonal impact on the UK job market beneath the headline data.  

With vaccine news looking more positive by the day, confirmation of lockdown ending on 2nd December and the promise of the rules being relaxed over the festive period, there is reason for cautious optimism.  We expect to see a further boost to the UK economy throughout December as the nation responds to these latest developments and in the knowledge that Christmas, albeit a smaller and unique one, can be shared and celebrated.”