Green Shoots in UK Recruitment: Vacancy Growth and Hiring Confidence on the Rise

Green Shoots in UK Recruitment: Vacancy Growth and Hiring Confidence on the Rise

The UK recruitment market is showing its first real signs of sustained recovery in over two years. After a prolonged period of uncertainty, the latest data reveals a welcome boost in job opportunities, employer confidence, and candidate mobility—painting a far more optimistic picture for the months ahead.

Vacancy Growth Signals a Turning Point

In June 2025, UK job vacancies climbed to 875,546, marking a 2.7% increase year-on-year—the strongest annual growth since mid-2022. For employers, this is more than just a number; it’s a clear indicator that business confidence is returning.

At Apex Recruitment, we’ve seen this reflected in real time, with increased demand for both permanent and temporary placements across multiple sectors, from engineering and logistics to professional services.

Contract and Permanent Roles on the Up

The recovery isn’t limited to one hiring type.

• Contract vacancies rose by 10% between June and July.

• Permanent roles increased by 8% in the same period.

• Overall placements rose by 2%, a modest but encouraging sign that candidates are feeling confident enough to make career moves.

This dual-track growth suggests employers are using both flexible and long-term hiring strategies to meet immediate needs while building future capability.

Employer Confidence at a Two-Year High

The REC JobsOutlook survey shows that employer economic confidence has reached its highest level in over two years. Short-term hiring intentions now sit at net +13, with medium-term confidence at net +15.

This matters because employer sentiment often leads the market—when companies feel optimistic, hiring plans follow. And that optimism is already translating into more live vacancies.

What’s Driving the Recovery?

Several factors are contributing to the brighter outlook:

• Stabilising economic conditions giving businesses room to plan ahead.

• Wage growth—average advertised salaries are up more than 9%, sustaining one of the longest runs of real pay growth since 2022.

• Skills demand in areas like technology, construction, healthcare, and green energy creating consistent hiring needs.

What This Means for Employers

Now is a prime moment to re-engage with talent. Candidate confidence is returning, but competition for skilled professionals remains fierce. Employers who:

• Move quickly in their hiring process,

• Offer competitive salary and benefits packages, and

• Clearly communicate career development opportunities

…will be best placed to secure top talent before their competitors.

What This Means for Jobseekers

For candidates considering their next move, this is an excellent time to explore the market. More vacancies mean more choice, and sustained salary growth strengthens negotiating positions. Whether looking for a permanent career step or a flexible contract role, opportunities are growing.

At Apex Recruitment, we partner with both employers and jobseekers to navigate this changing landscape. Our specialist consultants connect talent with opportunity—matching skills to the right roles in today’s evolving market.

?? If you’re hiring: We’ll help you attract and secure the people you need.
?? If you’re job hunting: We’ll guide you toward roles that match your ambitions.

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