Over half of employers in the North and Midlands have been ghosted

  • Dismissal

Peninsula Team, Peninsula Team

(Last updated )

According to research carried out by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Omni RMS, 61% of employers in the north and 56% of those in the Midlands have had candidates cancel interviews with little or no notice over the past 12 months, with 18% in both regions reporting new starters failing to turn up on their first day at work.

These practices are commonly referred to as being “ghosted”.

Over the past year, 34% of northern employers and 24% of those in the Midlands have experienced new employees resigning within the first 12 weeks of work.

The Resourcing and Talent Planning Report 2024 comes in the wider context of a competitive labour market, where many employers report that it has been more difficult to recruit and retain talent over the past year.

Responding to the findings, the CIPD and Omni RMS are calling on employers to keep candidates engaged throughout the recruitment process to ensure that they are committed to the role and have realistic expectations.

Competition for well-qualified talent has increased over the last year, according to 69% of respondents. Overall, 84% had tried to fill some vacancies and 64% of these experienced difficulties attracting candidates.

CIPD Policy and Practice Manager, Claire McCartney, said: “Engaging and retaining employees begins before new starters even walk through the door. During the recruitment process, employers should keep communication open with candidates, being clear on the purpose and values of their organisation, as well as benefits such as flexible working.”

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