The number of professionals in the UK applying for jobs in the pharmaceutical sector fell by 42% between January 2022 and January 2023, according to new research from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) and Broadbean Technology.  

The data also showed that job applications fell consistently last year. The same pattern can be seen when reviewing vacancy levels, with the data revealing that new jobs fell markedly in the second half of the year and noted a 34% annual decrease (January 2022 vs January 2023). 

Ann Swain, CEO of APSCo, said, “Demand for pharmaceutical talent saw a spike during the initial Covid period when big pharma brands channelled resources and funds into developing a vaccine. The data suggests that this talent demand has steadily fallen in the last year, however, we can’t overlook the fact that the sector has historically struggled with a skills deficit that could also be hindering recruitment activity.”

“If existing jobs can’t be filled, firms are unlikely to open new roles,” Swain said. “This is evidenced by the fall in applicants noted, with January 2023 marking a 42% decline in application numbers for the sector. Unless the UK can rebuild its reputation as a leading hub of STEM skills creation, and develop a strong strategy to support this, the pharmaceutical sector will only continue to struggle with a talent shortage.”