UK Firms Halt Permanent Hiring for 44th Month as Temp Demand Rises to 52.2
Updated
Updated · Reuters · Jun 7
UK Firms Halt Permanent Hiring for 44th Month as Temp Demand Rises to 52.2
2 articles · Updated · Reuters · Jun 7
Summary
Permanent staff placements fell to 44.1 in May from 47.5, the fastest decline since July 2025 and the 44th straight month of contraction in the KPMG-REC survey.
Iran war uncertainty and higher cost pressures pushed employers to delay or freeze permanent hiring plans, while temporary hiring accelerated as firms sought flexibility.
The temp-staff index rose to 52.2 from 50.4 — the quickest expansion since April 2023 — and candidate availability for both permanent and temporary roles increased faster than in April.
Vacancies dropped at the sharpest pace since February, led by a steeper fall in permanent openings, adding to signs of a rapidly cooling UK jobs market.