Growth in job adverts has continued and there are now 2.29 million vacancies on offer, according to new research.

The Recruitment & Employment Confederation said the number of job postings increased by more than 600,000 since the last week of August, including 235,000 new adverts online last week.

The growth has been spread across the country, making competition for staff even more fierce, said the report.

REC chief executive Neil Carberry said: “The past month has seen a remarkable spike in job adverts.

“Businesses from almost every sector and local area are hiring right now, and with so much competition for staff, many businesses are having to offer increased salaries and benefits to attract the people they need.

“It’s a good time to be looking for work right now, but this bounce-back phase will pass.

“To truly level up, it’s time for government to work with businesses on skills, including at lower skills levels, capital investment and workforce planning to make sure we have a soft landing after this boom.”

Wales saw the largest increase in job adverts last week, notably in Swansea, the Gwent Valleys, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, and Powys, said the report.

Some of the biggest increase in adverts were for sports and leisure assistants, cleaning and housekeeping managers and supervisors and library clerks and assistants, said REC.

There was also a notable rise in adverts for sales and retail assistants ahead of the busy Christmas period.

Minister for Employment Mims Davies said: “The range of opportunities on offer up and down the country is great news for jobseekers.

“Through our Plan for Jobs we’re helping employers recruit and supporting people, at any age and any career stage, to develop the skills they need to seize that next opportunity and progress in work.”

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