A new report has revealed that more than a quarter of UK employers are being "ghosted" by new recruits, with employees failing to show up on their first day of work. The study, conducted by the CIPD and Omni RMS, found that 27% of firms that hired new staff in the past 12 months had experienced this frustrating trend.
New Research Sheds Light on Recruitment Challenges
The findings come from the Resourcing and Talent Planning report, highlighting significant challenges in recruitment and retention. In addition to the 27% of firms reporting no-shows, the report found that 41% of new employees resigned within their first 12 weeks of employment. The competitive job market and rising demand for skilled candidates are pushing both employers and jobseekers into increasingly volatile recruitment scenarios.
Recruitment Difficulties Widespread Across the UK
The survey, which interviewed over 1,000 HR professionals across the UK, reveals some of the core issues behind this trend. According to the report:
- 64% of employers experienced difficulties in attracting candidates.
- 69% agreed that competition for well-qualified talent has increased significantly.
- More than half (56%) found it more challenging to retain employees, with the public sector facing difficulties (71%).
These findings reflect a highly competitive labour market, which has made attracting and retaining employees harder than ever.
Retention Woes: Public Sector Hit Hard
As retention struggles grow, more organisations are stepping up efforts to hold onto their talent. In 2021, only 29% of employers actively addressed retention issues, but this has surged to 42% in 2024. Public sector employers are especially feeling the pressure, focusing on promoting their organisational values (41%) rather than relying on pay incentives (16%).
Call for Stronger Candidate Engagement
Both the CIPD and Omni RMS are urging employers to maintain strong communication with candidates throughout the recruitment process. Claire McCartney, Policy and Practice Manager at the CIPD, emphasized the need for clear expectations and purpose to avoid ghosting.
"Engaging and retaining employees begins before new starters even walk through the door. Employers should be clear about their organisation's values and benefits, such as flexible working options, from the outset," McCartney said. She also underlined the importance of a robust onboarding process to ensure new recruits feel supported and connected to their new workplace.
The Financial Toll of Ghosting
Louise Shaw, Managing Director of Omni RMS, referred to the rising trend of ghosting as a "huge concern" for business growth and continuity. Shaw explained that poor communication during the recruitment process often leaves candidates disengaged, leading them to drop out. "We’ve seen this trend increase, especially as candidates receive multiple offers before even starting a new role," Shaw added.
To combat this, Omni RMS has invested in technology that keeps candidates engaged during onboarding, reducing dropouts by 30%. However, Shaw warned that without tackling the root causes of ghosting, the issue is likely to worsen, especially as the economic climate improves.
A Changing Labour Market
This latest data paints a stark picture of the UK's current recruitment landscape. As organisations grapple with talent shortages, both employers and jobseekers are navigating a more unpredictable and competitive market. Ensuring transparency, engagement, and a supportive onboarding experience could be the key to stemming the tide of candidate ghosting and turnover.
Employers who invest in better communication and onboarding practices are more likely to see long-term retention and success, a crucial factor in this turbulent job market.
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