Reed’s CEO foresees a ‘two-speed workforce’ in the UK as recession beckons

The past three years have been a wild ride for anyone working in the recruitment industry. The Covid pandemic has ripped up the industry, first causes a halt on openings before the reopening of the economy?led to a jobs boom , with record vacancy rates and low levels of unemployment.?

Last year, James Reed CBE , chair and CEO of recruitment company Reed , described the situation as “unlike anything I’ve ever seen”. The number of businesses advertising on its site soared and the company’s profits doubled. However, there are signs that the previously buoyant jobs market could be taking on?water.

As recession beckons the recruitment company’s data suggests that the situation may not be as dire as it appears for jobs, although Reed warns of a squeeze on wages. Sam Forsdick spoke to him to find out more .

In race to net zero, green jobs struggle with gender?gap

The energy transition has become a question of ‘when’ not ‘if’ in the UK, which is making huge investments to achieve a?low-carbon economy . One of the many benefits of this transition will be the creation jobs in sectors ranging from forestry to finance. PwC has estimated that the energy sector alone will require 250,000 more employees.?

New roles are popping up almost overnight and will soon create hundreds of thousands of jobs in the UK, but by 2030 only a quarter could be taken by women. Clara Murray investigates how businesses can help to close the green skills gender gap. Read more .

What do Gen Y and Z really want from?work?

Companies that don’t adapt to new employee expectations risk being left behind in the job?market.?According to research carried out by the London School of Economics and software company Freshworks,?hybrid or flexible working ?has overtaken salary as the number one factor when it comes to members of Gen Y and Z choosing where to?work. Rohan Banerjee takes a look at what Gen Y and Z really want from work. Read more .

More from the business world

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• As COP27 comes to an end, Simon Richards , sustainability director at Sir Robert McAlpine believes it's what we do next that really matters

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