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4 reasons people are struggling to get a job

21 Dec 2022

The job market has always been competitive and getting a job isn't easy. This is even more so the case if you don't have the necessary qualifications needed to enter the workforce, you're in poor health or you lack the confidence to apply for a role.

The rising cost of living is making this harder, as many people are struggling to pay their bills, including those in employment, and are therefore looking for other options.

Recruitive found that 48% of employees have reported not having a pay rise this year which has caused 17% of employees to be forced into finding a second job to help cover bills; but what is making a suitable role so difficult to find for today’s jobseekers?

Here are a few reasons someone may be struggling to get a job:

Do you have a realistic view on the job application process?

Studies show that an average of only 2% of candidates that apply for a job are selected for an interview? This means that on average only 6 people are chosen to be interviewed for every job vacancy. With the average interview process having two stages, it usually takes 27.5 days to complete the process within the UK.

If you expect to apply for a role, get an interview and a start date within a few days, then it’s time to let go of those unrealistic expectations. Those who think like this tend to go into interviews overconfident and can therefore be unsuccessful. While you should be confident in your skills and what you bring to the table, don’t go into an interview presumptuous, expecting to come out with a job.

Are you struggling to find childcare? 

If you have children, finding suitable childcare isn't always easy or affordable. According to The Money Advice Service, parents pay an average of £7,000 a year for a part-time nursery place, and as the cost of living rises, so do fees. 

Not everyone can afford childcare, or rely on friends and family members to help them out, which is being felt by both employed and unemployed parents and guardians. A survey by Easy Offices revealed 1 in 5 people considered leaving work because of the cost of childcare. 

However, there are government schemes in place to help offset these costs. 

30 hours free childcare for 3 to 4 year olds 

The UK government offers 30 hours of free childcare per week during term time for children aged 3 to 4 years old (this stops when your child reaches compulsory school age).
However, there are eligibility requirements that depend on immigration status, income, and  your child’s age and circumstances. 

If you are claiming Universal Credit, tax credits, childcare vouchers or Tax-Free Childcare, you can still get 30 hours per week of free childcare (GOV.UK). 

Tax-free childcare

The Tax-Free Childcare scheme by the UK government offers up to £2,000 per child a year, that goes towards childcare costs. 

For every 80p you put into childcare, the state will put 20p in, giving you the basic-rate tax back on your childcare bill. 

Eligibility includes: 

• You must earn the minimum national living wage (but less than £100K a year)
• Your child must be 11 years old or younger (or 16 they have a disability)
• This can be used for after school clubs, breakfast clubs and more

This may not be as financially beneficial for those claiming Universal Credit or Tax Credits, as they may pay more than the Tax-Free Childcare scheme.

Whether you’re self-employed, or in full-time or part-time employment, you can apply for Tax-Free Childcare.

Is your disability stopping you from getting a job? 

More than 15 million people in the UK live with one or more long term health conditions, making up 30% of the population. 

If you have a disability or have been unemployed for a while and want to get back into work, then have a look at Ingeus’ Work and Health programme. You’ll have access to a range of employment specialists and health professionals who will give you the tools you need to overcome any challenges and find the right job at the right time. 

Additionally, employers have access to the Disability Confidence Scheme. This helps to:

• challenge attitudes and increase understanding of disabilities 
• draw from a wide talent pool
• secure high-quality, skilled and hardworking staff
• improve employee morale and commitment to the company.

You can find out if an employer is Disability Confident by looking for a Level 1, 2 or 3 badge on their website or social media channels. You can also check out Glassdoor to see other employee’s experiences. Don’t be afraid to ask how a prospective employer can accommodate any additional support you need. 

Is your mental health stopping you from getting a job? 

If you’re struggling with your mental health and are worried that you won’t get a job because of this, you’re not alone. 

Many people living with various conditions including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and more, have concerns that they will be discriminated against if they state they’ve had or are experiencing mental or emotional health problems. 

However, it is illegal for employers to question you on any health-related questions before they make an offer. 

Additionally, many organisations now offer mental health support for their employees, which in turn creates an open, welcoming and inclusive workplace environment. 

You can also check the company’s benefits page to see if they offer any health insurance, mental health days and more. Glassdoor is also a great place to understand the work life balance of a company. 

If you have to explain gaps in your CV due to illness, you can add a sentence such as, “I took time off to recover from an illness. Now I am back on track, and I want to continue my career.”

For those aged 16 or over that are already in work, or are on an apprenticeship, and are experiencing issues that are affecting how you feel at work, you can get mental health support and advice with Ingeus’ mental health support service, Able Futures. We offer nine months of free confidential guidance and support from mental health professionals. 

How can Ingeus help you get the job of your dream 

At Ingeus we understand that as things change, people can face life with complex and long-term conditions. Due to this we want to equip people with the knowledge, skills and support they need to stay healthy.

We provide services on behalf of government partners, like the Department for Work and Pensions and the NHS to help provide help to those who need it most. These services include preventing Type 2 diabetes and helping to manage mental health.

To learn more about the health and wellbeing services we offer and how they can help you and your employees, click here.