Sheffield recruitment software firm handles 1m job applications after a huge shift in job market

Tribepad saw a 40-fold increase in applications to retailers in just two days after coronavirus shut most stores leading to a boom in supermarket shopping.

The firm has also seen growth in healthcare job vacancies after borders closed - the sector has been reliant on overseas workers - and an increase in staff off sick.

Applications have come from recently laid-off hospitality and retail staff, it says. It handled a total of 1m last week, compared to 108,000 in the same period last year.

Tribepad’s clients include Tesco, KFC, the BBC, Serco, G4S and The Church of England.

Dean Sadler, founder and CEO said: "The job market is shifting at an astonishing rate.

“While some sectors have paused all recruitment, particularly those in hospitality and fashion, we're seeing an incredible shift towards food retail, healthcare and logistics.

"We handled a 3,900 per cent increase in applications to retail clients in two days and this growth shows no signs of slowing down.

“While competition is fierce, there is a real need for recruits at supermarkets to help keep supply chains moving and shops fully stocked.

"We're also seeing growth in jobs within the care sector. It's an industry that has always struggled to recruit and has been reliant on overseas workers. With borders closed for the foreseeable future, and up to a fifth of workers potentially off sick at any one time, we're seeing a shift in recruitment strategies; with an opportunity for recently laid-off hospitality and retail staff, who have relevant soft skills, encouraged to apply for these new roles.

“We're proud to be playing a small part in keeping the country fed, cared for and moving."

TribePad is based in The Innovation Centre on Portobello and employs 45 people in Sheffield.

The company’s software is used by more than 20m people and is available in 15 languages worldwide.