As yet another lockdown takes its course, the UK’s unemployment figure is expected to reach 2.6 million by the middle of the year, according to the governments’ economic watchdog, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).
And although January is normally one of the healthiest months for the jobseeker market, the repercussions of 2020 have certainly left many feeling doubtful of the year to come.
Research commissioned by BT as part of their Stand Out Skills Initiative found that the average candidate has unsuccessfully applied for 16 different roles during the pandemic.
Leaving four in five adults experiencing a significant mental downturn towards their search.
After all, a busy market, with continued hiring freezes, business closures and redundancies, is not exactly a match made in heaven for active job seekers.
44% of the 2,000 respondents said their confidence had decreased as a result.
43% said they now feel a lack of motivation and 38% shared that their morale and self-esteem had been significantly damaged.
57% also admitted to lying to their friends and family members regarding the number of roles they had applied for with a fear of rejection causing concern over what loved ones may think.
This has left only 21% feeling confident in their ability to stand out and impress employers, with only 22% having faith in their CV and cover letter to get them noticed.
Because of this, BT’s initiative as part of their Skills for Tomorrow campaign aims to help 10 million people in the UK make the most of life in the digital world by providing all ages with free tips, resources, advice, and support in their job search.
They have teamed up with both experts and celebrities including TV presenter Anita Rani, Comedian Iain Stirling and Drag Queen Divina De Campo.
Hannah Cornick, Head of Digital Impact and Sustainability (Consumer), BT, said: “‘The global pandemic has had far-reaching consequences for the job market, and it is only natural that jobseekers’ confidence will have been affected.
“BT remains more committed than ever to its Skills for Tomorrow programme, and to ensure that people have the skills they need to flourish in an increasingly digital world.
“This is why we have launched Stand Out Skills, to help those looking for work build their confidence by providing them with the necessary tools and resources they need to get ahead of the competition and stand out.”
To find out more about the campaign, visit their website.
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