Travel recruitment activity has slumped following sharp increases in the aftermath of the Thomas Cook collapse, new analysis shows.
The decline was blamed on concerns about the general election, Brexit and the overall UK economy.
Candidate and vacancy numbers both saw double-digit monthly drops in November with average pay falling to an eight-month low.
The latest survey of new vacancies registered with C&M Travel Recruitment and C&M Executive Recruitment reveals a 29% drop in new candidate registrations – the largest monthly fall since last December.
At the same time the volume of new travel job vacancies fell by 18% after three months of increases between August and October.
Average pay for a new travel job has dropped to its lowest level in eight months with a 5.44% dip in November.
The decline means that the average wage across the industry now stands at £27,686, sharply down on October’s figure due to a higher than normal number of junior roles being filled in the month.
Standard travel salaries paying up to £40,000 fell by 6.59% to £24,254 in the biggest monthly dip since February 2018.
C&M director Barbara Kolosinska said: “November’s figures were disappointing, with salaries and activity falling across the country.
“Companies in many industries are choosing to delay their recruitment plans at the moment due to worries about the election and Brexit as well as uncertainty regarding the economy, and it is clear that these concerns are also affecting hiring intentions within travel.
“We’re not expecting to see a dramatic correction during the traditionally quiet month of December, but we would hope to see a more positive start to 2020 with many companies looking to get great travel staff in place ready for the peak season.”