AI Linked to Drop in Entry-Level Jobs

UK job vacancies dipped 0.51% in May but grew 0.49% year-on-year, marking a third consecutive month of annual improvement.

Entry-level roles including apprenticeships, internships and junior positions have declined by 32% since November 2022 following the rise of generative AI tools.

Average advertised salaries reached £42,403 in May, up 0.3% from April and 9.38% year-on-year, the strongest annual pay growth since mid-2022.

Graduate vacancies fell 4.2% in May and are down 28.4% year-on-year, the lowest level since July 2020.

Logistics, creative and hospitality sectors saw monthly vacancy gains, while healthcare and nursing vacancies dropped by 10.21%.

Average hiring time improved to 35.8 days per role, but competition rose to 2.02 jobseekers per vacancy.