Greenshoots: Celebrating Progress in Recruitment September 2025

At Talence, our Greenshoots series is all about spotlighting the bright spots in recruitment, because amidst the noise, there’s plenty to celebrate. From agencies bouncing back stronger to innovative hiring models gaining traction, we’re curating stories that show progress, resilience, and smart adaptation in action. It’s our way of reminding the industry (and ourselves) that even in uncertain times, growth is happening and it’s worth paying attention to.

8 Must-Read Recruitment Wins & Trends
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IoD Business Confidence Rises Sharply in August

The Institute of Directors' Economic Confidence Index jumped from –72 in July to –61 in August, marking the most optimistic gauge since last October’s Budget - suggesting improved sentiment for hiring and investment.

Strong Business & Hiring Outlook in Lloyds Barometer

The Lloyds Business Barometer shows business confidence at 54%, with hiring intentions growing for the fourth consecutive month. Trading prospects improved to 63%, and manufacturers posted their highest confidence in a decade.

Construction Recovery Sets Up Long-Term Recruitment Opportunities

Despite current contraction, the construction industry is riding a cautious Q1 growth (2.7–2.9%), bolstered by a 26.6% surge in new orders. With a £34 billion project pipeline and urgent need for 250,000 new workers by 2028, opportunities across trades and digital roles are set to expand.

Hiring Intentions Reach 10-Year High

Lloyds survey shows hiring expectations have surged to levels not seen since 2015: 60% of firms plan to hire, with only 14% expecting cuts - resulting in a strong net positive balance.

Services Sector Posts Fastest Expansion Since August 2024

The S&P Global UK Services PMI hit 52.8 in June, signifying its fastest monthly growth in almost a year - encouraging for recruiters serving hospitality, tech, and professional services.

Workers Embrace “AI Agents”  - Opening New Recruitment Opportunities

AI-powered 'downloadable employees' are being integrated by 78% of UK organizations (Heathrow, Capita, etc.), automating routine tasks and creating demand for AI oversight and governance roles.

Pay Growth Stabilises Amid Service Sector Momentum

While pay growth remains subdued, services output hit a post‑2021 high in August, supported by summer demand - suggesting payroll strategies may rebound soon.

Tech Hiring Resilient Despite Slower Vacancy Trend

ONS data shows UK vacancies slipped in the quarter, but employment rate (75.3%) and unemployment rate (4.7%) remain relatively stable - signalling continued robustness in labour demand, especially in tech and upskilling-focused sectors.

Greenshoots will be back next month with more standout stories from across the recruitment world. If you’ve spotted a win worth sharing or have something to add, drop us a comment below, we’d love to hear it and keep the conversation growing.