Data reveals more than 59 million job applications were submitted last year

More than 59 million applications for jobs were submitted last year as the UK workforce continued to battle with the cost-of-living crisis and a desire for more autonomy at work. That’s according to the latest data from the world’s largest network of job boards, Broadbean Technology.

While the number of applications didn’t hit the record highs noted in 2020 – when 63.8 million applications were submitted – 2022 still saw these numbers hit 59.5 million, a 19% increase year-on-year.

Total vacancies jumped from 2.3 million in 2021 to 2.6 million in 2022, with the number of jobs reported last year up one million from 2020 figures. The data also revealed that the number of permanent roles advertised last year increased at a higher rate than contract and temporary jobs. In 2022, permanent vacancies accounted for 69% of all jobs, an increase of five percentage points on the year before.

Alex Fourlis, Managing Director at Broadbean Technology commented:

The uptick in job applications last year shows the impact that a combination of the new world of work and rising costs for households is having on the population. The cost-of-living crisis is no doubt driving moves for better pay across a significant proportion of the UK workforce. However, we also can’t overlook the fact that the changing nature of work itself is also driving job moves. Throughout last year we saw reports of firms removing some of the flexible working practices that so many had become accustomed to. With skills shortages still rife, it’s clear that people were voting with their feet and choosing to jump ship for opportunities that better suit their wants and needs.

While the economic uncertainty we’re facing will have some impact on recruitment levels this year, with vacancies up and people still confident to make a career move, it’s unlikely that the pressure on the labour market will ease significantly, at least not for the immediate future.