Things you should know about in August

As we step into August, the UK jobs market is buzzing with fresh opportunities and policy shifts that could reshape how we work and hire. From a surprising uptick in hiring confidence to local councils eyeing four-day work weeks, there’s plenty to keep both employers and job-seekers on their toes. 

After a sluggish post-pandemic recovery, UK job vacancies climbed by 2.68% in June - the fastest annual uptick in three years - even as unemployment held at 4.7%. This surge has been driven by a wave of summer hiring across sectors from hospitality to logistics, reflecting a renewed employer willingness to invest in growth. 

That being said, confidence is far from rock-solid with many factors affecting hiring and employment rates. For employers, transparency around pay and flexibility will help secure the best talent; and for candidates, staying adaptable, upskilling and having a backup plan are the smartest moves right now. 

Source: The Global Recruiter

This time last year, Mayor Richard Parker unveiled his Youth Employment Plan to tackle rising youth unemployment and boost the regional economy. The initial ambition was to create 20,000 work experience, training and apprenticeship places across the West Midlands, where youth joblessness in areas like Birmingham, Walsall and Wolverhampton runs at twice the national rate. 

As of this month, a further 13,000 opportunities have been announced to support young residents.

Source: Express & Star

South Cambridgeshire District Council made headlines in July when it became the first local authority to permanently switch to a four-day, 32-hour week at no loss of pay; a trial that proved popular and stable in service delivery. 

Campaigners at the 4 Day Week Foundation are now urging other councils to follow its lead, highlighting that over 200 UK organisations had already adopted the shorter week by January this year. At least five other authorities, including Glasgow, Belfast, Edinburgh and Fermanagh & Omagh, have either passed motions or begun feasibility studies to explore the model, while around 25 councils are privately in talks with the Foundation on possible trials.

Source: The Guardian

The Low Pay Commission’s latest estimates point to a 4.1% increase in the National Living Wage from April next year, taking it from £12.21 to around £12.71 per hour. This rise is designed to keep the rate at no less than two-thirds of median UK earnings, while also reflecting the ongoing squeeze from inflation and living-cost pressures. 

The commission has flagged a range between £12.55 and £12.86 to account for economic uncertainty, but under every scenario low-paid workers can expect a meaningful uplift. 

Source: The Standard

The Government’s Graduate Guarantee, confirmed in August, ensures every newly qualified nurse and midwife in England can apply for a permanent role in the health and social care workforce. Trusts are now encouraged to advertise positions before formal vacancies arise and to convert vacant healthcare support worker posts into Band 5 nursing and midwifery roles, unlocking thousands of opportunities across hospital, community and social care settings.

An online student hub will bring together multiple job listings, practical guidance on applications and interviews, plus resources to support a seamless transition from training into employment.

Source: NHS England

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