The report, which analysed job market activity in Q4 2017 and compared it with Q3 2017 findings and data from the same period in 2016, found that advertised job vacancies in the sector saw an increase of 18% year-on-year, but a 9.9% drop on Q3 2017.
Advertised pay also rose by 3.5% quarter-on-quarter.
Lee Biggins (pictured), founder and managing director of CV-Library, said: “It’s great to see that the job market in the manufacturing sector is flourishing, particularly when compared with data from the same period last year.
“In Q4 2016, the Brexit vote was still raw and very much in the forefront of everyone’s minds. This is not to say that this is no longer the case, as the future of the UK is still very uncertain.
“However, the increase in advertised jobs suggests that as the dust begins to settle, employers are continuing to invest in their recruitment efforts and are working hard to keep driving the economy forward.”
However, despite the market flourishing, candidate appetite is not keeping pace, with applications in the manufacturing sector decreasing by 10.5% quarter-on-quarter.
CV Library said that while initially this is concerning, this drop is not surprising for this time of year.
Biggins concluded: “Competition for the top candidates is tough, and this is reflected in the increase in advertised salaries across the industry. Though many companies might be reluctant to loosen the purse strings, it’s clear that offering competitive packages is important right now, especially given that unemployment is at its lowest in 42 years.
“The manufacturing sector was also predicted to be one of the most affected by Brexit, with the rise of inflation and uncertainty around trade arrangements leaving many in the lurch.
“Despite this, it’s great to see that businesses are remaining active in their recruiting efforts and hoping to encourage job hunters to begin moving around and looking for their next career opportunity.
“Overall, it’s positive to see that despite ongoing uncertainty, manufacturing organisations are taking proactive steps to rouse candidate appetite and stimulate growth in the economy. We hope that as we move ever closer to Brexit, both business and candidate confidence will continue to improve.”
