One In Four UK Workers Say They Applied For Non-Existent Jobs, Known As Ghost Jobs
Research from Employment Hero indicates that a significant portion of UK workers have applied for positions they suspect were not genuine. Approximately 24% of workers believe they have applied for "ghost jobs," with this number rising to 37% among…
Research from Employment Hero indicates that a significant portion of UK workers have applied for positions they suspect were not genuine. Approximately 24% of workers believe they have applied for "ghost jobs," with this number rising to 37% among individuals aged 18 to 34.
Further findings reveal that only 38% of roles visible in job searches appear relevant to applicants, contributing to a lack of trust in the recruitment process. Some employers may post job advertisements to gauge salary expectations or compile candidate lists without immediate hiring intentions. Additionally, some listings may serve as phishing attempts to collect personal data from applicants.
Employment Hero reports that 33% of UK workers found it challenging to secure their current roles, rising to 46% among younger job seekers. A notable concern is the lack of response from employers, with 80% of workers experiencing no feedback after applying for a position. Furthermore, 54% identify this lack of communication as the most frustrating aspect of job searching.
Lengthy recruitment processes also contribute to dissatisfaction, with 46% of workers expressing frustration over time-consuming tasks, 44% citing long waits between interviews, and 42% experiencing a cessation of communication after interviews.
Research from Employment Hero indicates that a significant portion of UK workers have applied for positions they suspect were not genuine.
The hiring process has discouraged 61% of UK workers from pursuing new employment opportunities, with this sentiment shared by 69% of younger individuals and 67% of women. This reluctance to engage in job searching is concerning, especially as nearly 1 million young people are not in education, employment, or training.
David Holland, Managing Director of Talent at Employment Hero, advises jobseekers to remain vigilant for warning signs, such as job listings that remain open for extended periods, vague descriptions, or advertisements lacking essential details such as location and working hours. He suggests prospective candidates inquire directly about the approval process and timelines to verify the legitimacy of the opportunity.
Kevin Fitzgerald, UK Managing Director at Employment Hero, emphasizes the need for a fairer recruitment experience that integrates HR, payroll, and recruitment into a single global platform where job opportunities are genuine, and expectations are transparent.
Based on reporting by techround.co.uk.