We strive to connect employers with the best talent in the horticulture, landscape and garden retail industry, and we’re always looking for ways to improve.
We have been reaching out to businesses and potential applicants for advertised roles, and below are some of the reasons why overall applicant numbers are reducing in horticulture and landscape vacancies. As a sector, we have to continue working together to address these issues. If we know the problems, we can all adapt our hiring strategies to get more candidates to apply for advertised roles. See general feedback from a recent survey of businesses and jobseekers across our sectors, which can help your business define a new hiring strategy.
1. Industry-Wide Skills Shortage
- There is an ongoing shortage of skilled horticulturists and landscapers due to fewer young people entering the profession.
- Many colleges and training programmes have seen a decline in horticulture enrollments.
2. Perceived Low Pay & Career Progression Concerns
- Compared to other industries, some candidates perceive horticulture jobs as lower-paying with fewer career advancement opportunities.
- Many skilled workers are moving to other trades (e.g., construction) where salaries can be higher.
3. Seasonal & Physical Demands
- Some roles are seasonal or weather-dependent, making them less attractive to job seekers looking for stability.
- The physically demanding nature of the work can deter applicants, especially younger candidates.
4. Competition from Other Sectors
- Other industries, such as tech, construction, and logistics, offer more competitive salaries and benefits.
- The hospitality and retail sectors often provide easier entry-level jobs with similar pay but less physical labour.
5. Changing Workforce Expectations
- Younger job seekers often prioritise flexibility, remote work, and work-life balance, which are less common in horticulture and landscaping roles.
- Many roles require on-site work, which limits appeal compared to hybrid or remote job options.
6. Lack of Awareness & Promotion
- Horticulture careers are often not well-promoted in schools or career guidance programmes.
- There is a general lack of understanding of the diverse career paths available in horticulture (e.g., design, science, management).
7. Impact of Brexit & Reduced Foreign Workers
- In the UK and Ireland, Brexit has led to a decline in the number of EU workers applying for jobs in horticulture and landscaping.
- Many businesses previously relied on seasonal workers from abroad, and these numbers have dropped significantly.
8. Rising Cost of Living & Commuting Challenges
- Applicants are increasingly factoring in the cost of commuting and housing, which can also make jobs in both rural and city locations less attractive.
- Fuel and transport costs may discourage people from applying for roles that are not easily accessible by public transport.
9. Employer Expectations vs. Job Seeker Skills
- Employers often require specific skills or experience, but many applicants lack formal qualifications or practical training.
- There is a gap between employer needs and job seeker capabilities, which may deter potential applicants.
10. Economic Uncertainty
- During uncertain economic times, job seekers may prefer job security in larger companies or different sectors rather than taking roles in SMEs or seasonal horticulture work.
For assistance and advice, contact joseph@horticulture.ie
Joseph Blair has over 30 years of experience working across the various sectors of Horticulture, Landscape & Garden Retail. He offers consultancy in the areas of Business Support, Sales Development, Sustainability & HR. Through his involvement in Horticulture.Jobs and HortiRecruit he brings a unique insight into recruitment and employee retention.
