KPMG & REC Report on Jobs May 2025
The headline figures evidence:
- Permanent placements decline at softest rate in seven months
- Candidate numbers rise amid further drop in vacancies
- Temp wage growth improves to 11-month high
Jobs down. Candidates up. The challenges continue.
As mentioned in the commentary from the professionals, much of the problem is a lack of business confidence.
We know the budget in October was not a good one for business. And whilst we've adapted to survive, there are concerns that for the government to stay within their self-imposed public finance rules, they'll need to either drastically cut back spending or increase taxes again in the autumn budget.
That's giving cause to think, "What tax increases are coming next?"
Then there's the Employment Rights Bill, which is being rushed and will worry those small business owners who are scared of hiring someone who might become troublesome. Not to mention the additional sick pay costs and attack on flexible working.
How do you confidently hire in the current climate?
Put simply, ensure that your recruitment process is robust, including taking references as part of the offer process and great onboarding. And make sure you have a strong HR professional on your team to reduce any negative impact on your business caused by a bad hire.
Contact us now for a free, no-obligation chat. Contact Clare here.
Clare Wight is the founder and Managing Director of Clarity Appointments, an independent recruitment specialist. She served as a Regional Director for The Employment Agents Movement, supporting other independent recruiters.
She remains an active member of Recconnect (formerly Members Only), a recruitment leadership network promoting high ethical standards, collaboration, diversity, equity and inclusion.
She believes business owners are more fulfilled and higher-performing when they provide emotional and professional business support to other business owners, even those they deem to be competitors. She does this actively, whilst challenging and updating her skills and knowledge of the recruitment sector, enabling her to offer the best advice to firms looking to make their next hire.
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