The number of advertised job vacancies in the UK rose by 11% in the second quarter of 2017 compared to the same time last year, according to the Robert Walters UK Jobs Index for the second quarter.

According to Robert Walter, the rise in advertised job vacancies comes despite uncertainty surrounding the recent general election as well as Brexit.

“The increase in jobs we have seen throughout 2017 is an encouraging sign, indicating a higher level of confidence among employers across the UK,” Chris Hickey, Robert Walters CEO – UK, Middle East and Africa, said.

“Hiring levels have remained healthy, despite many employers postponing hiring processes until the results of the general election were known,” Hickey said. “Nevertheless, with the exception of business critical roles, employers have taken a discerning approach to recruitment. In many cases, hiring managers are willing to invest considerable time into recruitment processes to ensure that they secure top calibre professionals who are an ideal fit for a role.”

Data from Robert Walters showed that jobs growth was strongest in supply chain (22%), with the number of roles in accountancy and finance (21%), secretarial and support (19%), and legal (16%) also seeing increases.

“The growth in demand for supply chain and procurement professionals continues a trend that we saw in the first quarter of the year. This is most likely indicative of the fact that employers recognise that, as Britain develops new trading relationships outside of the European Union, highly efficient procurement and supply chain processes will be essential in order to remain competitive.”

Meanwhile, across both financial services and wider industry, employers are looking to take on accountants in a range of roles. For more junior positions, technical skills are highly sought after, particularly among part qualified candidates to fill core roles.

For more senior vacancies, employers are keen to secure candidates who also possess strong technical skills but can also demonstrate strategic insight and commercial acumen to meet the changing role of finance departments. 

“As employers prepare for a period of transition when Britain leaves the EU, long term strategic financial planning is a high priority,” Hickey. “As a result, many businesses are looking to take on accounting and finance professionals who can provide strategic input in key business decisions to ensure that financial processes are sound and efficient.”