Are storm clouds gathering over UK plc?

Just Recruitment Group Ltd director Peter Foy examines the latest employment figures from the ONS.

On Tuesday, 19 February 2019, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) published its regular report on the UK labour market, giving information about the latest employment figures.

At a time when most commentators are warning of impending economic meltdown, the ONS report appears to contain encouraging news.

In the last quarter of 2018, 75.8pc of people aged between 16 and 64 were employed. That is the highest figure since the first Labour Market Report was published in 1971. Male employment, meanwhile, stands at 80.3pc: the highest it has been since the first quarter of 1991. And female employment is at its highest ever figure, 71.4pc.

Other figures that contribute to an economic feel-good factor include:

  • 96pc of the 444,000 new jobs created in the economy over the last 12 months are full-time roles
  • 53pc of these roles were filled by women
  • Average weekly earnings, allowing for inflation, are higher than at any time since 2010
  • The number of people on zero-hours contracts is down by 6.3pc – a drop of 57,000
  • The number of temporary employees has remained constant at 5.6pc of the workforce, but the number taking a temporary role because they can’t find a permanent job has fallen

So, good news all round for the UK economy, despite the political uncertainty we’re currently facing.

Or is it?

One of the interesting data sets in the ONS report is the unemployment figures since 1971, reproduced below:

The graph shows that the early 1980s saw a marked growth in unemployment as the government wrestled with the unions. In the late 1980s and early 1990s Margaret Thatcher’s government was torn apart by squabbles over Europe, leading to huge political and economic instability. Then came Black Wednesday, on John Major’s watch in 1992, and the country’s ignominious exit from the Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM). The result was another sharp increase in unemployment in the years leading up to 1993, followed by a gradual easing over subsequent years.

The tide turned again following the Global Financial Crisis of 2008. Unemployment rose steeply, before finally dipping in the run up to the 2015 general election.

My point is straightforward: political uncertainty leads to an increase in unemployment. Yet since 2012, although we have had two general elections, the destabilising Brexit referendum, a minority government and both the main political parties in an apparent state of disarray, unemployment has steadily reduced.

In the commentary I have read about the ONS employment numbers, I haven’t found a single explanation as to why or how the economy is managing not to buckle.

All of which makes me think: perhaps the bad news is just around the corner. Before a major Tsunami, the sea recedes, exposing new stretches of beach. Is UK plc enjoying a false calm when we should be heading for the hills and preparing for a tidal wave? Only time will tell.

Published: 20 March 2019

© Copyright Just Recruitment 2019

If you enjoyed reading this, you may also like – How to find your passion

You may also like to read – Why smart workers aren’t busy doing nothing

Jobs currently available

New job
Accounts Assistant (1 year contract)
Sector: Accountancy, Banking and Finance
Location: Braintree
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC8
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing business in Braintree, looking to add an Accounts Assistant to their team.

You will be responsible for maintaining all records required for the accurate operation of the sales and purchase ledgers, including the daily entry and reconciliation of cash.

Duties include:

  • Entering daily cash from multiple bank accounts and reconciling on a daily basis.
  • Processing daily sales invoices in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Dealing with the despatch team to reconcile any discrepancies.
  • Processing of Purchase Ledger Invoices, ensuring they are accurate, matched to the delivery notes, and as per the terms agreed.
  • Ensuring the invoices are coded correctly and in line with company policy.
  • Reconciling all supplier statements and agreeing the Creditors Report monthly, correcting any discrepancies with suppliers, and in line with company policy.
  • Raising and processing monthly payment runs for Purchase Ledger invoices, both in domestic and foreign currencies.
  • Working closely with Customer Service and Warehouse departments to ensure excellent communication is adhered to at all times and a high level of
  • Customer Service is given at all times.
  • Assisting the Accounts Manager and CFO with any other tasks to ensure the smooth running of the accounts department within the company.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9.00am - 5.30pm.

Please note the company can offer full or part-time hours!

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Field Service Engineer (South)
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Location: South
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913747
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing business, at the forefront of their sector, looking to add a Field Service Engineer to their team - covering a patch in the South - you can be based anywhere in the South of the UK.

The key purpose of this role is to be responsible for the Installation, Commissioning, service, repair, breakdown, and maintenance of the company’s range of capital equipment in a variety of environments, located in the South of the UK.

Duties include:

  • Duties include installing, commissioning, maintaining, and fault‐finding a wide range of both manufactured and third‐party equipment.
  • Providing user training to end clients when required.
  • Providing feedback to customers on any issues identified during commissioning, maintenance, or fault‐finding visits.

To be considered for this exciting role, you must be able to demonstrate a background working in a field service or technical support role, gained within a capital equipment environment. You should be qualified to a minimum of level 3 or above in electrical installation/engineering/maintenance or another relevant technical discipline with 3 years’ experience. Alternatively, a gold card electrician would be considered along with 2391 testing and inspection.

Applicants are welcome from a wide range of equipment backgrounds.

You must have impeccable customer service skills and a confident and professional manner in customer-facing environments.

Key requirements include:

  • Previous experience of performing in a technical field service team
  • Clear and concise written and spoken communication skills
  • Ability to present information in a structured and balanced way
  • Good working knowledge of Word and Excel
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Positive ‘can‐do’ attitude
  • Problem solver ‐ ability to engineer solutions on the job
  • Ability to work and manage in a high‐pressure environment
  • Work autonomously, taking initiative to resolve customer issues
  • Willing to travel and work unsociable hours when needed
  • Some overnight stays are required

This is an excellent opportunity to join a world-class organisation.

You will be joining a national team of Field Service personnel who take great pride in their work and who aim to build upon long-term relationships with customers.

You will be continually challenged as you are exposed to new technologies. You will receive constant support and guidance from senior management, and your technical knowledge will be furthered through training courses.

For those with the desire, there are opportunities to progress your career within the department and into the wider company.

In return, you will receive ongoing, industry-recognised product training as new products are introduced. You will also enjoy a generous remuneration package, including a competitive salary, company healthcare, a contributory pension scheme, a phone, and a laptop, as well as excellent opportunities for career progression within a market-leading organisation.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Production Operator
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Witham, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB30
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking a Production Operator for a company based in Witham, Essex.

Working hours are Monday to Friday, 6.00am to 2.30pm, with occasional 12-hour shifts required to cover holidays and peak periods.

Role will involve:

  • Carrying out the safe and efficient operation of equipment to prepare products
  • Undertaking dispatch checks and reporting any discrepancies to the Team Leader
  • Completing all necessary record-keeping on the computer
  • Operating filling equipment
  • Movement/sampling of the product to the final store as instructed
  • General cleanliness of production areas, conveying equipment, coolers, etc.
  • Maintaining high levels of cleanliness in all work areas, ensuring correct procedures are followed and documented, where applicable

Skills/Abilities include:

  • Able to determine colour differences by eye
  • Self-motivated and able to work under own initiative
  • Computer literate
  • Quality awareness
  • Adaptable and flexible
  • Good people skills
  • Literate and numerate
  • Team player

Experience in production line operations in the food and beverage sector and knowledge of HACCP would be advantageous.

Excellent company benefits include:

  • Automatic entry into pension scheme after 3 months 4% employee, 6% employer contributions, going up to a maximum of 8% company contribution
  • You automatically qualify for Death in Service benefit which is 4 x basic annual salary
  • Health Cash Back Plan
  • Gym subsidy and cycle to work scheme
  • Benefits hub with access to discounts from various retailers
  • Loyalty awards scheme

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Field Service Technician (Leeds/Bradford)
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Leeds, Bradford
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB29
About the role

A global leader in vehicle washing technology is expanding and seeking a Field Service Technician to support its customers across the Leeds and Bradford region.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week plus 1 in 3 weekend cover.

The role involves the service and installation of car and commercial valet equipment. You will handle all aspects of planned and breakdown maintenance, including equipment servicing and repairs. Responsibilities also include maintaining van stock levels to standard requirements and completing job sheets.

Role requirements include:

  • An Electrical or Mechanical engineering qualification
  • Traveling and staying out overnight as and when required
  • Taking on additional training and relevant courses, including evening courses that the company may pay for
  • Ability to work on your own initiative or as part of a team, and have problem-solving skills
  • A valid, clean UK driving license
  • Good people skills, presentable, and able to liaise directly with customers
  • Should be punctual and able to keep accurate and timely documentation
  • IT literate with Microsoft Office and Outlook experience
  • Work within Health & Safety guidelines as set by the company

The benefits:

  • Company vehicle available
  • Mobile phone
  • Pension scheme
  • Death in service benefit
  • Uniform and tools provided

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Sales Manager
Sector: Sales
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913744
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a growing Sudbury based organisation that is seeking a Sales Manager to join their established team.

This role is designed for a sales hunter — someone who thrives on opening doors, building pipelines, and closing deals.

As a Regional Sales Manager, you will have full ownership of the defined UK & Ireland territory, with clear revenue targets and the autonomy to deliver results your way. You will be responsible for driving new business, expanding existing accounts, and converting technical opportunities into profitable, long-term contracts.

You will spend the majority of your time in the field with customers, influencing decision-makers, developing specifications, and progressing opportunities through to close. Success in this role is measured by pipeline quality, deal conversion, and revenue delivery.

This is not an account-management role. It is a growth-focused position with visibility, influence, and upside.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Build and maintain a high-quality, target-aligned sales pipeline
  • Consistently deliver and exceed revenue and margin targets
  • Identify and convert new business opportunities across your territory
  • Drive specifications and influence key stakeholders early in the sales cycle
  • Lead negotiations and close commercially robust deals
  • Grow existing accounts through cross-selling and repeat business
  • Maintain accurate forecasting and CRM reporting
  • Operate as the commercial face of the group within your region

Role requirements include:

  • Proven sales hunter mentality with a track record of winning new business
  • Minimum 3 years’ experience selling on the road
  • Strong negotiation skills and commercial awareness
  • Confidence operating independently with full territory accountability
  • Ability to articulate technical solutions in a clear, compelling way (training provided)
  • Highly motivated, resilient, and driven by performance and results

This role is a step-change opportunity for ambitious sales professionals ready to move beyond junior or supported sales positions into full commercial ownership.

You will be rewarded with:

  • Increased territory scope and revenue responsibility
  • Progression into Senior Sales, Key Account, or Commercial Leadership roles
  • Exposure to international markets, group-level strategy, and cross-brand opportunities
  • Recognition, autonomy, and influence based on performance — not tenure
  • If you want a role where results matter, effort is rewarded, and your career trajectory is directly linked to your performance, this is the opportunity to prove it!

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more