South East: APSCo reports rise in demand for HR professionals

Demand for HR professionals rose 8% year on year to October according to recent figures from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo). Despite a minor post-referendum drop in demand, the number of openings per month exceeded figures from 2015 in both September and October of this year. The top sectors for HR openings over the past year were accountancy, retail and software, and computer services. 

The data, based on analytics provided by Vacancysoft, found that Greater London was the busiest region for HR roles, accounting for 46% of total vacancies, though growth remained relatively flat at just 3% year on year.

Ann Swain, chief executive of APSCo, commented: “It is somewhat unsurprising that demand for professionals in the HR sector has risen year on year, given the increased degree of uncertainty regarding the future employment status of vital overseas workers, and the potential impact that a vote to leave the European Union could potentially have on wider employment law. The level of growth experienced outside of the capital is indicative of a wider trend of businesses relocating outside of London and is also a positive sign of strength within the HR profession.”