I have been in the recruitment services business for over 30 years and from day one I was educated about the mysterious “end of year decline”!

The end of year decline traditionally begins about mid October and lasts until about mid January.  It is the time when recruitment slows down because the number of good quality candidates decreases dramatically, as people are loathe to resign from their jobs as they are waiting for bonuses and annual leave. 

But, this year has been very atypical.  After having a really quiet August and September, things started becoming chaotic in October and I am so busy at the moment, I don’t know what to do first!

Is this just co-incidence or is the economy going through a metamorphosis of sorts? 

I know the number of candidates currently on the market can partially be attributed to the massive unemployment rate, but many of the people who are applying for jobs are, in fact, employed!

Are people so “gatvol” with their jobs that they don’t mind sacrificing their bonuses?  Or perhaps fewer companies are giving their employees Xmas bonuses?  Maybe people can’t afford to go on holiday so they are using their leave to find a new position?

Any opinions?