How are vacancies faring amidst the challenging times in the economic landscape in England and Wales? What are the leading financial sectors and roles? Which regions have the highest activity, and which are the firms leading hiring?
Written in partnership with Morgan McKinley, this report analyses the recruitment of professionals within different sectors in the UK. It observes the trends of the annual and monthly total, compares the skills in demand, a regional breakdown of recruitment, and the hiring activity of top firms.
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UK’s Finance Labour Market in 2022,
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Commercial – UK Life Sciences Labour Market Trends, May 2026
The UK commercial life sciences sector is expected to enter 2026 with a softer hiring outlook as firms shift from rapid expansion towards cost control and operational efficiency. Commercial vacancies are forecast to decline 1.4% year-on-year following several years of strong growth linked to GLP-1 launches and broader pharmaceutical expansion.
Fintech – UK Finance Market Labout Trends
Britain’s fintech labour market continues to expand despite an increasingly unsettled macroeconomic backdrop. Vacancies are forecast to rise by close to 14% in 2026, following a sharper 28% increase the previous year. London remains overwhelmingly dominant. Hiring in the capital is projected to grow by just over 14%, lifting its share of national fintech vacancies from nearly 67% in 2024 to around 71% this year. Early-month data suggests the momentum is not merely seasonal.
South West – Regional Labour Market Trends
Professional hiring activity across the South East is expected to strengthen again in 2026, although growth is becoming increasingly concentrated around specific functions. Rather than expanding headcount broadly, many employers are prioritising digital capability, engineering delivery and revenue generation, while more cyclical sectors continue to soften.
