Available jobs in the retail motor trade have nearly halved in 2009, according to north east based Ingenia Recruitment.

The statistics show that only 54% of vacancies are available compared to the same point in 2008.

At the end of October 2008 there had been 251 available vacancies year to date, compared to a figure of only 147 this year.

The recruitment industry is going through similar turmoil reflected in the automotive industry.

Recruiter.co.uk reports that the downturn has meant that revenues have consistently reduced even up to 60% on permanent positions. In a survey of more than 500 agency recruiters, recruiter.co.uk also found that recruitment companies expect that once the recession is over there will be fewer agencies and higher expectations from employers.

Nevertheless it is expected that the bottom has now been reached and an upturn is anticipated in spring 2010 but this may come at a cost.

Employers have now realised they can hire successfully in house and recruitment companies may have to work harder for their money.

This may mean diversifying, improving training, candidate vetting or even giving guarantees on employees.

Steve Shaw, director of Ingenia Recruitment, has installed these changes to the business.

He said: “Clearly it has been a difficult time for the motor and recruitment industries. Our company’s statistics have also reflected how the industry has been hit. We are doing about two thirds of the business from last year and even last year was a fall on previous years.

“However in the last quarter our figures have been picking up to a more acceptable level and early indications are that next year may be more positive. The general feeling in the motor industry is that companies may have cut too deep when the recession hit and will be looking to hire come the turn of the year.”