Recruitment Greenshoots January 2026
Jan 13, 2026Recruitment Greenshoots: 8 Positive Signals Shaping the UK Hiring Market in January 2026
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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Lloyds Business Barometer Signals Skills Investment & Upskilling Growth
Recent Lloyds Business Barometer data shows that UK firms are planning increased investment in team development and AI tools in 2026, with over a third aiming to upskill staff and improve productivity - a strong indicator of future recruitment and training demand.
UK Hiring Outlook Improves for Q1 2026
The ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey shows the UK’s Net Employment Outlook at +13% for Q1 2026, up 2 points from the previous quarter. This suggests employers are gearing up to hire more staff across sectors like construction, manufacturing and tech - a rebound after hesitancy in late 2025.
Manpower Survey Highlights Resilience in Employer Confidence
The latest Employment Outlook across the UK points to rebounding confidence among employers, with many prepared to fill roles deferred in late 2025 - important news for recruiters as pent‑up hiring demand is unlocked.
UK Services Sector Still Growing Overall (PMI)
The S&P Global UK Services PMI was revised to 51.4 in December 2025, indicating continued expansion in the services sector - the largest employer group in the UK economy - providing ongoing roles in customer service, consultancy, IT support and professional services.
Infrastructure Sector Poised for Growth in 2026
Analysis from industry specialists shows that the UK infrastructure pipeline for 2026 is strengthening, with projects (transport, energy, utilities and civil engineering) creating sustained demand for specialist talent and long‑term recruitment opportunities.
Renewable Power Grid Jobs Surge Amid Energy Transition
The UK power grid sector is planning its fastest recruitment expansion since the 1950s, as major firms scale up hiring to support electric vehicle infrastructure, heat pumps and renewable energy integration - with tens of thousands of roles expected over the decade.
ONS Labour Market Shows Robust Wage Growth
ONS data from late 2025 shows strong wage growth coupled with stable employment, indicating competition for talent persists even as market conditions shift - a positive signal for recruiters focusing on skills‑led roles and sectors with upward pay pressure.
REC/KPMG Survey - Candidate Supply Rising as Demand Softens
The December 2025 KPMG & REC UK Report on Jobs shows candidate availability remains high, rising at one of the fastest rates seen in recent years, even as placements soften - a signal that a deep talent pool is emerging for recruiters to tap into.
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.
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