What Recruiters Need to Know

UK Job Market Update

Here’s some QUBA insight for recruiters: Confidence among UK households remains surprisingly strong. While the latest S&P Global UK Consumer Sentiment Index dipped a little to 47.4, it still sits well above long-term averages. Job-related optimism remains a bright spot, with more people feeling secure in their incomes and employment, although spending remains tight.

For recruiters, this signals opportunity but also the need for accuracy. Here’s what the headline numbers mean for you:

• The labour market remains resilient. Despite talk of economic headwinds, many workers feel confident, for now.
• Income from employment is growing at some of the fastest rates seen in recent surveys, especially around hotspots like London.
• But signs of softening are emerging, in sectors such as media and culture, where workers report rising insecurity and more caution.

So, what should recruitment consultants focus on?

1. Quality over quantity: As hiring becomes more selective, placing the right person in the right role is increasingly important.
2. Elevated expectations: With candidate confidence on the rise and incomes growing, pay and perks matter more.
3. Retention matters: As mobility rises, keeping clients and candidates engaged is just as vital as acquiring new ones.

“Recruiters who balance agility with insight will thrive, because even in a cautious market, there’s always opportunity for those ready to move. Rising incomes create movement in the market, however the game for recruiters is evolving. As incomes rise, so do candidate ambitions. For recruitment consultancies, that means attracting and retaining talent requires next-level precision and care.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on how confidence and hiring trends evolve through the end of the year, but one thing’s clear, stability is back on the table, and with it, the chance to build real momentum.”
Jenny Underhay, Head of Sales, QUBA Solutions

At QUBA Solutions, we know that your back-office and funding frameworks must move as fast as your placement pipeline. If your recruitment business needs more agility, flexibility and support to capitalise on this evolving market, we’ve got your back. Talk to one of our friendly team members to see how we can help.