Momentum is Building - Is Your Recruitment Business Aligned to Catch the Wave?

As we approach the end of 2025, the UK recruitment market continues to give us reasons for quiet optimism. While challenges persist, the data is clear: hiring intention remains strong, candidate movement is accelerating, and sector-specific recoveries are gaining pace.

This isn’t a time to wait for the market to ‘fully recover.’ This is the recovery. And it’s recruitment businesses with commercial discipline, AI-enhanced delivery, and the right sector focus who will benefit most.

Hiring Intent Remains High - The Market is Active
According to the Lloyds Bank Business Barometer, a majority of UK businesses still plan to recruit in the next 12 months-despite wider economic headwinds. Click to read more.

The S&P Global/CIPS Services PMI rose to 52.3 in October, up from 50.8 in September-marking the fastest growth in the UK’s largest sector in nearly a year. Click to read more.

Meanwhile, manufacturing output climbed to a 12-month high of 49.7, with production restarts at firms like Jaguar Land Rover pointing to renewed demand in technical hiring. Click to read more.

Don’t Miss the Candidate Activation Wave
One of the most significant signals in this month’s data is candidate intent to move.

A recent survey shows that over 40% of employees plan to change jobs within the next 6 months. Click to read more.

With wage growth running at 4.7%, the market is ripe for recruiters to unlock high-quality, motivated talent. Click to read more.

What Recruitment Leaders Must Do Now
Too many firms are waiting for roles to land in their inbox. That strategy won’t cut it.

Smart agencies are:

• Doubling down on BD and sales skills
• Targeting high-growth sectors like green energy, construction, and health
• Using AI to scale delivery capacity
• Reactivating dormant candidate relationships

2026 Starts Now

The UK Government’s green energy strategy aims to create 400,000 new roles. Construction alone needs over 239,000 recruits by 2029.

• This isn’t a future wave-it’s already building.
• Leaders who wait for things to “settle” may find they’ve missed their chance.
• Now is the moment to retrain, refocus, and ride the opportunity.