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Where Have All the Jobs Gone?: A Decline in Job Vacancies

If you’ve been scrolling through job boards lately and coming up empty, you’re not alone. The UK is seeing a real dip in job vacancies, particularly for permanent roles and it’s leaving a lot of job seekers wondering what’s going on.

The number of job vacancies in the UK has been declining, reaching the lowest level in over four years. Specifically, the estimated number of vacancies fell by 26,000 to 781,000 in January to March 2025.

So, what’s behind the hiring slowdown?

Rising costs (like national insurance contributions and minimum wage increases) are making employers more cautious. Instead of bringing in full-time staff, many are leaning towards temporary contracts or holding off on hiring altogether. In fact, we’re seeing the fastest drop in permanent vacancies since the pandemic.

Temporary roles on the rise

With all the uncertainty in the economy, temporary work has become the go to option for many companies. It offers them flexibility without a long-term commitment, this is great for businesses trying to stay agile, but not ideal if you’re looking for stability. That said, temporary roles can still be a solid stepping stone, especially if you’re looking to build experience or get your foot in the door somewhere new.

Young job seekers are feeling it most

There’s growing concern about youth unemployment according to a recent BBC article. Right now, nearly one million young people in the UK are not in education, employment or training. Mental health challenges, fewer opportunities and unclear career paths are all contributing to the problem and there’s a real risk of a “lost generation” if things don’t improve. 

But it’s not all bad news…

Despite the current slowdown, there are sectors that are hiring, particularly in tech, healthcare and engineering. Roles in AI, cybersecurity, and renewable energy are in high demand. The problem? There’s often a gap between the skills people have and what employers actually need.

How can The Recruitment Group help?

This is exactly where we come in. We’re more than just middlemen, we are in constant contact with employers, understand the latest hiring trends, and often know about vacancies before they even go public. Whether you’re looking for temporary work, a career change, or your first step into a sector, a good recruiter can be the answer you may be looking for.

Agencies can:

  • Match you to roles based on your skills and goals

  • Help polish your CV and interview technique

  • Offer insight into sectors you might not have considered

  • Connect you with roles that aren’t advertised elsewhere

Looking ahead

The job market is challenging right now, there is no doubt about it. But with the right support, it’s not impossible to find great opportunities. Upskilling, staying flexible and working closely with our team at The Recruitment Group can make all the difference.

If you’re in the job market: keep going, stay open-minded and don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our consultants. They’re here to help and in times like these, that kind of support can be a real game changer.

To find out more about the jobs we have to offer at The Recruitment Group, why not visit our jobs page.