The recruitment crisis

The Office for National Statistics reported that job vacancies have hit a record high, with the number of vacancies in the three months leading to August rising above 1m for the first time since records began in 2001. But whilst an abundance of employment opportunities seems positive news, there are cautionary warnings that a shortfall in labour could dampen the country’s post-pandemic economic recovery.

The dental profession appears to be amongst those particularly impacted within the ‘Human health and social work’ sector (167k) topping the list for those listing the most job vacancies between June and August, followed by ‘Hospitality’ (134k). I’ve certainly found that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find dental nurses to fill vacancies during the pandemic. I also know of principals in London practices who would have recruited professionals with relative ease prior to the Covid-19 outbreak but who are now struggling.