The number of total advertised job vacancies in the UK fell by 5.4% in October when compared to the previous year, according to the latest Adzuna Jobs Report. The average advertised UK salary was also down 1%, compared to the previous year.

On a monthly basis, total advertised jobs showed growth, increasing by 2.6% in October and a 0.1% uptick in advertised salaries.

Adzuna states that the monthly increase shows that employers are looking to hire an array of temporary jobseekers who can quickly fulfil and adapt to job roles to meet the rise in demand during the Christmas season.

The report also highlights that average salaries within the retail sector are down 8.8% year-on-year despite total vacancies reaching 42,972. This is due to the surge in consumer spending around this period, causing an increase in demand for workers, which leads to a decline in typical salaries as part-time wages lower the average. 

“Jobseekers and employees are at the forefront of government intentions as the key messages from the Autumn Statement highlight a new direction for the labour market that should work for everyone,” Doug Monro, co-founder of Adzuna, said.

“The jobs market has opened up new, lucrative opportunities for jobseekers as the number of total vacancies is on the up, month-to-month, and catering to a wider and diverse talent pool,” Monro said. “Both self-employment and employment are on the rise.”

“Jobseekers looking to earn additional income, in particular graduates, can take advantage of the Christmas seasonality at a time when temporary and part-time roles become most accessible. Vacancies within the retail sector are especially attractive due to the flexibility and lower entry level requirements.”  

Among the regions, Northern Ireland saw an increase of 0.2% in terms of salaries and Wales saw an increase of 2.9%, year-on-year. However, wages in Eastern England fell 1.6% over the same time period.

Among the sectors, healthcare and nursing was up 5.9% while the property sector had the highest increase with a wage growth of 7.5%, year-on-year.