Charity job applications slump by three quarters

The number of applicants applying for the average charity job has slumped by more than three quarters over the last year, according to latest figures from online employment site CharityJob.

While the average number applying for each job was 100 in May 2020 by July 2021 this average had plummeted to just 24, amid a rise in the number of vacancies as the charity sector emerges from the Covid pandemic.

This is also well below the pre-pandemic average of nearly 40 applications per job.

CharityJob looked at more than 40,000 charity sector jobs advertised for its research, which is detailed in its State of Charity Recruitment report.

Despite the drop in demand for charity sector roles, pay offers have remained consistent and “we are yet to see upward pressure on salaries to entice applicants,” said CharityJob.

The job website’s research found that conversely pay is falling in the international aid sector. The average annual salary in this sector has dropped by just under £1,500.

Rise in remote working

In addition, there are now more job postings outside of London.

Meanwhile, remote working jobs are now at three times pre-pandemic levels.

“The shortage of candidates is a concern, as charities that can’t fill their
vacancies might be unable to do vital work,” warned CharityJob founder and CEO Steve Wexler.

Martin Rogers, CharityJob research manager added: “The factors behind the changes are numerous and varied. Many charities were forced to make redundancies, some used furlough, while others may have delayed hiring new staff due to uncertainty about their future.

“As things return to normal, the pent-up demand is being released and more jobs are attracting fewer applications.”

Earlier this month Charity Times revealed further evidence that charities are facing a post-pandemic recruitment crisis.

One charity CEO warned that it had only one applicant for three roles advertised.

Another senior charity director said it had received 70 applications for two part-time, short-term contract roles during the pandemic. However, it is now struggling to recruit for roles.