TRICIA PHILLIPS

At least 10 employment records were matched or smashed in 2017 – from 75.3% people in work to unemployment falling to 4.3% and women in work reaching 70.8%.

Recruitment firm Hays says half of workers will be looking for new jobs this year. The good news is there’s 798,000 vacancies.

The Department for Work and Pensions said: “Jobcentre Plus helps people of all ages find jobs.”

Here’s seven sectors worth considering this year:

Hospitality The British Hospitality Association says the sector is the fourth largest employer, supporting 10% of the workforce. The pound trading low against the euro and US dollar has attracted tourists to the UK.

Information and Communications Technology is the basic foundation for almost all employers to stay connected. Around 37,000 people chose a job in IT in 2017, and there’s almost 40,000 available now.

Construction Official figures show there are 29,000 builder vacancies. The Chancellor committed £44billion to build 300,000 homes a year, boosting jobs into the mid-2020s.

Scientific and technical Around 25,000 more people got jobs in the industry in 2017 and there’s 70,000 current vacancies.

Administration and Support Employment in the services sector rose 150,000 last year, and there’s over 50,000 vacancies.

Manufacturing Despite a slowdown late last year, manufacturing grew overall and employment rose by 48,000 jobs. There’s currently 53,000 on offer.

Transport and storage Employment rose by 60,000 in 2017 – there’s 33,000 vacancies.

visit gov.uk/jobs, or your local Jobcentre Plus for advice.