Summary
As ever we undertake a comparison between the last calendar month and the same time period in 2018 to see if there has been any noticeable difference, particularly with the current political uncertainty. In December 2018 we saw an increase of 58% in the number of new permanent vacancies registered compared with December 2017. The number of new candidates increased by 32% as well. December 2018 was as quiet as it usually is, but we did notice the increase in permanent vacancies – unusual for the time of year.
Statistics
General Statistics for December 2018 (comparison is to December 2017)
Current live vacancies: 1006
New permanent vacancies added: 19 (12)
New locum vacancies added: 10 (18)
New candidates registering: 33 (25)
Average ‘Job Strength Factor’ for new vacancies: 3.5 (OK)
December 2018 – Live Jobs (comparison with Nov 2018 in brackets):
* London vacancies: 168 (171) (-1.7%)
* South East: 463 (451) (+2.6%)
* South West: 91 (91) (0%)
* Midlands: 73 (70) (+4.2%)
* North West: 104 (103) (1%)
* North East: 74 (72) (+2.7%)
* Wales: 27 (26) (+3.8%)
We have 31 law firms and legal businesses for sale at the moment – no increase since last month – although 5 of these firms are in negotiations and due to agree deals this month.
TP Legal Recruitment publishes the number of new vacancies, new candidates and indicate the increase or decrease from the previous month. We aim to assist the legal profession by showing the market from our perspective. Our clients tend to be high street law firms, in house legal departments and smaller sized commercial practices. The average job strength gives a good indication of the market because:
1. A poor Job Strength on vacancies indicates a struggling market. When trade is bad, employers seek options for increasing turnover which involve sourcing candidates with their own following and no salary, or offering low salaries and/or poor conditions.
2. A strong Job Strength on vacancies indicates a buoyant market, particularly if it is in connection with an increase in numbers of new vacancies.
Vacancies are each graded 1-5, with 5 being a very strong vacancy and 1 being a very weak vacancy.
