UK jobs market turns a corner as employers revive hiring plans

See more This is Money on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Updated: 03:31 EDT, 10 August 2026 The UK job market may be thawing as employers revive recruitment plans.Permanent appointments stabilised in July after 45 months of decline dating back to 2022, said a study by accountants KPMG and industry body Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). Temporary vacancies rose for the first time in two years and demand for staff fell at its slowest pace in 22 months. Demand for permanent staff is still subdued due to uncertainty caused by political upheaval. The jobs market has started to recover but experts warn of muted demand for permanent staffHigher labour costs have also hit businesses as more have been looking to hire staff on a flexible basis, researchers said.Callum Licence, head of advisory at KPMG, said: ‘With a new Government, businesses will be looking for signs that new policies can translate into greater confidence to invest and hire.’Maxine Bligh, chief membership and innovation officer at the REC, said: ‘Rays of light are beginning to break through.’DIY INVESTING PLATFORMSAJ BellAJ BellEasy investing and ready-made portfoliosHargreaves LansdownHargreaves LansdownFree fund dealing and investment ideasinteractive investorinteractive investorFlat-fee investing from £4.99 per monthFreetradeFreetradeInvesting Isa now free on basic planTrading 212Trading 212Free share dealing and no account feeAffiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. These deals are chosen by our editorial team, as we think they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence.Compare the best investing account for you