UK Job Market Update: A Recruiter’s Perspective

By Rosie Branford, Senior Recruitment Consultant at Contract Personnel

Recently, Sky News reported new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) that paints an interesting picture of the current UK job market.

According to the latest data, the UK’s unemployment rate has risen to 5%, the highest level we’ve seen since late 2020.

At first glance, this may seem concerning – yet the story isn’t as straightforward as the headlines suggest.

Despite the increase in unemployment, the number of job vacancies has remained broadly unchanged, indicating that demand for talent has not fallen as sharply as one might expect. This raises some important questions: Are we seeing a seasonal, pre-Christmas fluctuation? Or is this the start of a wider trend as we approach the upcoming budget? Only time will tell, but it’s clear that the job market is shifting.

Working in recruitment across both permanent and temporary roles, I’m fortunate to have a front-row view of the local employment landscape. At Contract Personnel, we support businesses across a wide range of sectors, giving us valuable insight into hiring patterns and emerging trends.

What we’re seeing internally is actually quite positive. Our own vacancy numbers have increased significantly across the region compared to the start of the year, and many recruiters I speak with at other agencies are reporting the same. It’s a reassuring sign that, despite national unemployment figures, employers are still actively seeking skilled people – and lots of them.

In short: it’s not all doom and gloom.

If you’re thinking about your next career move, now is a great time to explore what’s out there. Here at Contract Personnel, we’re currently recruiting for a wide variety of roles across multiple disciplines, and we’d be delighted to support you in finding your next opportunity.

Get in touch:
📧 rosie@cpl.uk.com
📲 07375 592368 / 01603 764044