It comes as no surprise that the Recession has radically changed the workplace in the UK. Employers and employees have had felt the effects and seen changes such as pay increase freezes and recruitment being put on hold. Research into workplace trends have revealed that nearly two thirds of employers have stated they have made significant changes to their workforce and working patterns, or are thinking of making them. Other techniques to protect their business and cut costs include allowing flexible working hours and cuts in paid overtime.

While it may not be true as much for highly skilled positions such banking jobs and public sector jobs, other sectors are using the flexible labour market to their advantage.

On a more positive note, some figures in this study taken from 704 employers who are responsible for employing 3 million people show that 45% said they were going to increase pay for their employees in the coming months albeit slightly with 39% saying the increase would only be around 1% – less than the rate of inflation.

Around one third of employers said they would start hiring again in the next few months although the biggest percentage said this would only be for small pockets within their business.

When asked abut how long the recruitment situation will take to recover, 53% said they believe it will be at least two years for things to return back to the figures of 2007.

Different job sectors will obviously be affected in different ways, the science and IT sector are more likely to outsource role to candidates overseas, but this is also due to lack of candidates with the right skills in these sectors.

Recruitment figures are said to be resilient in professional services and the public sector.

So there are some positive signs out there if you are currently looking for employment. The main thing is to remember that not every sector is being hit as hard. The best route is to talk to a professional recruitment specialist that deals with specific sectors like Martin Ward Anderson for Finance and Accounting and Banking Jobs and they will be able to give you a better view of your prospects.