What's in store for recruiters in the education sector?

Watch or listen to most news broadcasts at the moment and strikes are likely to be a hot topic of conversation. After a brief pause in industrial action by teaching unions in England, they were unable to agree on a pay deal with the government and so strikes will resume. No doubt many parents will be pulling their out in frustration. It’s unclear when a deal will be reached but even then significant long-term issues around pay and staffing numbers remain in the sector. Indeed, a poll by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) revealed that:

 …one in eight newly qualified teachers leave the profession after just one year in the job, with almost one-third (31%) leaving within their first five years.

There’s no escaping the fact there are big challenges for recruiters in this sector. Indeed our research with APSCo Trusted Partner Broadbean reveals that average salaries in education have fallen in the last 12 months. At the same time, vacancies remain high up 36% in January 2023 and 44% in February year-on-year.

There are many worrying concerns for hirers in this market but they shouldn’t lose hope. It is very likely that a pay deal increase will be agreed upon and should help to attract and retain more staff within the sector. Similarly, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt sought to address skill shortages in the Spring Budget with policies aimed at bringing economically inactive people back into the labour market.

There’s plenty that the professional recruitment sector can do too. APSCo is not only here to support its members but also to improve the industry as a whole. For example, our Compliance+ Best Practice Standard ensures recruitment companies go beyond statutory safeguarding and aim for excellence in competency selection and service quality. It certifies safeguarding which goes beyond statutory requirements and is recognised as a certificated standard by the CCS. It is also designed to help safeguard and improve outcomes for children and vulnerable adults.

APSCo members can read our latest data for the Education Sector here. If you’re not a member but would like to enquire about receiving the data, complete the form below.