The main findings for June 2026 from the latest UK Report on Jobs, sponsored by KPMG and the REC (Recruitment & Employment Confederation), are as follows (the full report is available on request – just email me at c.booth@swindaleparks.co.uk and I’ll send you a copy):
The Report is unique in providing the most comprehensive guide to the UK labour market, drawing on original survey data provided by recruitment consultancies and employers to provide the first indication each month of labour market trends.
The main findings for June are:
Temp billings growth hits highest since April 2023 and permanent placements move closer to stabilising
The latest survey data pointed to a relative improvement in hiring trends across the UK in June. The number of people placed into permanent positions fell at a marginal pace that was the softest in three months, while temp billings rose at the quickest rate since April 2023. These trends were often linked to wider economic uncertainty and cost considerations, which have driven a greater preference for short-term staff and projects among a number of businesses.
Stronger growth in rates of starting pay
UK recruitment consultancies signalled further increases in rates of starting pay for both permanent and temporary workers at the end of the second quarter. According to panellists, efforts to attract top talent had placed upward pressure on pay offers. The latest upturns in salaries and wages were the strongest seen since January, but in each case, growth remained slower than typically seen across the survey history (which began October 1997).
Slower but still sharp increase in candidate availability...
Although candidate numbers continued to rise sharply overall in June, often due to redundancies and reduced hiring activity, the latest upturn was the least pronounced in four months. Softer increases in supply were signalled for both permanent and temporary labour, as some firms noted that people were more hesitant to seek out new roles in the current economic climate.
...as demand for workers continues to weaken
The sustained rise in candidate numbers coincided with a further reduction in job opportunities in June. Total demand for staff declined at the quickest rate since January, which was predominantly driven by a steeper drop in permanent vacancies. Demand for short-term staff meanwhile fell at a marginal pace that was little-changed from May.
Hopefully this will provide you with a useful insight into a myriad of critical recruitment topics including hiring activity, candidate availability and salaries. As you strive to keep your current employees happy and attract the best new talent to help your company grow you may find some of the content very useful.
If you want to discuss any of the above or any other recruitment-related issues then please don’t hesitate to contact Carl Booth on 07766552676.
Swindale Parks Recruitment is over 30 years old – we have lots of hiring experience to share.