The number of people applying for jobs in the UK fell by 30% in June compared to May, according to the latest data from Broadbean Technology.

The firm's data also showed a 2% decline in vacancies in June compared to May's figures, indicative of a broader slowdown in hiring. Broadbean noted that while a fall in jobs will result in fewer applications, the 30% decline in vacancies points to a growing skills shortage.

The sector job and application figures further evidence this. According to Broadbean's data, engineering accounted for the lion's share of the jobs, with 11% of all vacancies falling. IT claimed second spot (10% of declining vacancies) while education and training accounted for the third highest number (7% of all vacancies falling).

Meanwhile, the demand for resources in engineering represents a 3% increase in jobs month-on-month. Applications, meanwhile, fell 32%. While IT saw a month-on-month decline in new jobs (-4%), the number of active candidates saw a sharper decline (-25%). 

Alex Fourlis, managing director at Broadbean Technology, said skills shortages are still plaguing many firms despite the overall slowdown in hiring.

"Although the market is slowing down, the skills crisis is far from over," Fourlis said. "The UK simply doesn't have enough of the highly trained and highly skilled professionals it needs to fill the demand. It's imperative that employers stay focused on the skills agenda and continue to invest in talent attraction and development if they are to grow their competitive standing."