Navigating Recruitment in Q4 2024
As we transition into autumn, the UK employment market continues to evolve. Here are the key trends observed by our senior recruitment specialists. Market Growth The UK economy has shown…
As we settle into Q3, there has been a clear shift in employer and jobseeker priorities. Permanent hiring has slowed and demand for temporary and fixed-term contract staff has remained consistent. Hybrid or flexible working arrangements are still a non-negotiable for many candidates, with working parents seeking greater flexibility around start and finish times.
Economic Overview
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that the number of payrolled employees decreased by 0.4% between May 2024 and May 2025. A dip of 0.1% in just one month between April and May this year has likely been influenced by a seasonal slowdown in industries such as hospitality, education and retail, where temporary roles end after financial year-end decisions.
Despite these short-term contractions, the employment rate for those aged 16-64 rose to 75.2% between March and May, a positive sign of growing labour market participation.
Our recruitment experts predict stability in Q3, although the Autumn Budget is contributing to uncertainty within the permanent market.
Demand Grows for True Flexibility
Jobseekers have shown hesitancy around career moves. For many, true flexibility, not just hybrid working, has become a non-negotiable. They want autonomy over what time they start and finish, and the ability to work from home or abroad.
Temporary and Contract Hiring Trends
Tiger Recruitment Consultants have noted that temporary interviews are now being treated with the same rigour as permanent hires.
- Increased workloads are being managed by contract staff to cover departures
- Maternity leave coverage is a key driver of contract hiring
- Smaller businesses are leaning towards fixed-term contract hires, while larger organisations continue to rely on temporary staff to meet immediate needs
Jobseeker Priorities
- Hybrid working remains a top priority
- Access to more flexible working hours (e.g. later starts/earlier finishes)
- A positive and inclusive company culture
ONS data paints a mixed picture, with some notable signs of resilience. Despite the dip in payrolled employees, the employment rate and wage growth point to resilience in a complex and shifting economic climate.
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