The first half of 2024 has demonstrated market resilience despite ongoing economic challenges. While sectors like banking and real estate face pressures from new government policies and global uncertainties, strategic adjustments are evident.
The 2023 year saw a dip across both DACH and BENELUX regions, reflected by the EU data. DACH has kept higher numbers than BENELUX since the start of 2022, but this gap is now shortening whilst still being apparent. So far, the first half 2024 is projected to see lower volumes than the full-year estimate.
The UK’s political landscape is particularly noteworthy with Europe facing a series of summer elections. If it gains power, the Labour Party has explicitly stated its intention to improve trade relations with the EU. Although specific plans have not been detailed, any shift in this direction could alleviate the sectoral dampening caused by Brexit.
As the UK moves past the pandemic, the life sciences industry is still adjusting to the challenges associated with the post-Brexit regime. This, combined with the slowdown in trials during the pandemic, has resulted in a slowdown in recruitment within the sector, particularly affecting regulatory affairs professionals.
Analysis shows that SAP vacancies are projected to decrease by 34.1% in 2024 compared to 2023 (comparatively, in the 2022 to 2023 data analysis, vacancies decreased by 2.1%). Similarly, regional SAP vacancies are on track for two consecutive years of decline. This trend decline in SAP hiring reflects the broader slowdown impacting the technology sector as it adapts to the transition to a more rigid financial discipline.
