Election and Brexit blamed for recruitment dip

The Travel Salary Index by C&M Travel Recruitment and C&M Executive Recruitment has found candidate and vacancy numbers have both dropped by double digits month-on-month.

There were 29% fewer new candidate registrations during November compared to October, which was the largest monthly fall since December 2018, and an 18% decrease in travel vacancies.

Average wage has also fallen to its lowest in eight months, dipping by 5.44% in November to £27,686.

However, C&M stressed that the overall salary picture is healthy, with the rolling 12-month average dipping only marginally.

C&M also said there was a spike in recruitment over the last two months following the Thomas Cook collapse.

“Companies in many industries are choosing to delay their recruitment plans at the moment due to worries about the election and Brexit as well as uncertainty regarding the economy, and it is clear that these concerns are also affecting hiring intentions within travel,” said Barbara Kolosinska, director at C&M Travel Recruitment and C&M Executive Recruitment.

“We’re not expecting to see a dramatic correction during the traditionally quiet month of December, but we would hope to see a more positive start to 2020 with many companies looking to get great travel staff in place ready for the peak season.”

The Travel Salary Index is compiled using data about new vacancies advertised with C&M Travel Recruitment and C&M Executive Recruitment.