The UK’s labour market is coming under intense strain as the number of applications per advertised job surges dramatically, reflecting deep-rooted economic uncertainties and a tight hiring climate.

According to data from talent acquisition platform Tribepad, the average number of applications per vacancy hit 48.7 in November—an astonishing 286% increase on the same month last year. In raw terms, candidates are sending out far more CVs: total applications between September and November soared to more than 4.5 million, a 64% rise on the year.

The figures were released just weeks after the Chancellor’s autumn budget, which has prompted businesses to rein in spending and hiring. Tribepad’s analysis indicates a 24% year-on-year drop in roles advertised between September and November, despite a modest seasonal boost as retailers and hospitality firms scaled up for the festive period. November alone saw a particularly sharp dip, with job postings falling by 43% compared to 2023.

This imbalance—few jobs and a glut of applicants—is putting employers and candidates on edge. Despite the rollout of shared hiring platforms and automated recruitment tools, employers are facing a flood of applications that can be difficult to manage. Some analysts suggest the spike may be partly due to job hunters using artificial intelligence to generate more applications more swiftly, seeking to maximise their chances in a cut-throat environment.

Meanwhile, workers are feeling the squeeze. After 28 consecutive months of declining vacancies, opportunities are scarce and competition fierce. While certain sectors, including retail and hospitality, offered a brief autumn reprieve, many businesses are either scaling back permanent hires or shifting resources elsewhere.

Dean Sadler, chief executive of Tribepad, said: “The surge in applications per job to nearly 50 on average is a clear sign of an extremely competitive market. Employers must rethink their recruitment strategies not just to handle the volume efficiently, but to ensure fairness and remove bias. It’s critical that, despite the influx, the hiring process remains equitable, offering everyone a fair chance.”

With economic headwinds continuing to bear down on businesses and households alike, the UK’s labour market looks set to remain a challenging battleground into the new year.

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Record surge in job applications as UK vacancies dwindle