Employers in Bristol are being forced to offer higher salaries as they struggle to fill jobs.
Advertised vacancies in the city increased by 11.5 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2019, while job applications dropped by 3.9 per cent, according to a report by job site CV Library.
Bristol companies are having to pull out all the stops to entice workers out of their current roles, with salaries increasing by 4.2 per cent year-on-year.
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The city saw the third-highest increase in jobs and pay in the UK - only behind Edinburgh and Cardiff.
Lee Biggins, founder and chief executive of CV Library said: “The past year has been a trying time for businesses in Bristol.
“Britain is not as attractive to EU migrants as it was a few years ago and the ensuing skills shortage has seen vacancies and salaries rocketing, in a bid to find the right candidates for the job.”
But Lee believes there “has to come a point” where employers stop increasing salary offerings.
He explained: “While it’s important to keep pace with the market, other strategies should be considered.
“Showing candidates that you’re willing to respond to their needs is a better long-term solution, whether this is through flexible working hours, more holiday days or regular training.
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“The prospect of job security will reassure candidates that it's possible to move jobs.”
Across the South West as a whole, job applications have dropped by seven per cent year-on-year.
Meanwhile, the North West saw applications fall by 8.3 per cent.
The cities with the biggest salary and job increases
1. Edinburgh - 20.8 per cent increase in jobs and 9.8 per cent increase in salaries
2. Cardiff - 15 per cent increase in jobs and 4.4 per cent increase in salaries
3. Bristol - 11.5 per cent increase in jobs and 4.2 per cent increase in salaries
4. Leicester - 10.9 per cent increase in jobs and 7.2 per cent increase in salaries
5. Sheffield - 8 per cent increase in jobs and 7.3 per cent increase in salaries
