Tag Archives : Hiring Trends 2025

Q2 market review

UK job market sees modest growth in new postings…

  • The number of new job postings in the UK in May 2025 was 726,084 – up by 0.3% from April 2025.
  • The overall number of active job postings was 1,440,792 – a decrease of 1.8% on the number of job postings in April 2025 as older adverts rolled off websites.
  • When comparing regions Scotland (9.2%) and the South West (4.7%) showed the highest increase in the total number of job postings.

New job postings rose marginally in May 2025, while total active job posts remain above 1.4 million, according to the latest Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) / Lightcast monthly Labour Market Tracker.

This month’s job postings echo what we’re hearing from recruiters and what the ONS data confirms – the labour market isn’t regressing, but it is clearly stuck in neutral. Despite persistent headwinds, including tax pressures and subdued growth, there are signs of underlying resilience. A second consecutive month of sluggish vacancy growth suggests cautious optimism rather than immediate concern.

On the global stage, the outlook may be underwhelming, but the UK remains relatively well-positioned. We’re beyond the interest rate peak, look attractive compared to the US, and benefit from trade progress and political stability. With steady interest rates and potential cuts on the horizon, the time is now to reignite business confidence. That makes the upcoming announcements on infrastructure and industrial policy critical. Businesses need a coherent, credible growth agenda—and stability in taxation. Prosperity won’t come from tax hikes and over-regulation—it’s built on investment and enterprise. Workforce policy must be seen as core to our economic strategy, not merely a rights issue. Unfortunately, measures like the Employment Rights Bill, increased jobs tax burdens, and anti-agency rhetoric from parts of government risk dragging us in the wrong direction.

Regionally, Scotland and the South West are bright spots, with job listings rising—likely fuelled by seasonal demand in tourism. But while early indicators hint at shifts, it’s too soon for definitive conclusions on summer hiring trends.

In this month’s Labour Market Tracker:

  • Notable decreases: Business Sales Executives (-47.3%), Authors/Writers/Translators (-24.4%), and Dental Practitioners (-26.6%)
  • Largest increases: Delivery Drivers and Couriers (53.7%), Food/Drink/Tobacco Process Operatives (34.1%), and Business Associate Professionals (27.7%)
  • Regional growth leaders: Causeway Coast and Glens (31.1%), Dumfries and Galloway (25.7%), and Westminster (38.2%)
  • Biggest declines: Newry, Mourne and Down (-11.8%), Ards and North Down (-16.1%), and Camden and City of London (-20.3%)