Speed and compromise are Oxfordshire employers' golden keys to securing top talent, says a new report.
Oxfordshire Recruitment Market Overview's bi-annual study states that employer adaptability must accelerate, particularly as job vacancies are forecast to surge in the latter half of 2024.
Authored by Allen Associates' recruitment branch, incorporating Indeed Hiring Lab's data analysis, the report states that job postings currently exceed pre-pandemic levels by 4 per cent.
Kate Allen, founder and executive chairman of Allen Associates said: "The labour market is opening up with some really great candidates available, but it’s still very competitive out there and employers can’t afford to be complacent.
Kate Allen, founder and executive chairman of Allen Associates (Image: Allen Associates)
"We realise it’s a tough balancing act as employers want to get it right and appoint the best person for the role – ideally on their terms.
"This is not a new thing, but the narrative does seem to have shifted somewhat, with candidates insisting on flexible working and employers not always willing or able to meet their needs."
The agency specialises in a range of roles across PA/administration, HR, marketing and finance.
The report also indicates a current demand for head of HR, senior-level finance, marketing communications, and digital content roles.
Eleanor Bromage, the managing director, said: Oxfordshire employers are still actively recruiting – they are just more focused than ever on finding the right candidate.
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