Steering through uncertainty: Can UK recruiters be optimistic about 2022?
As we are started the year 2022 we wanted to take time to look back to 2021, of what has been a frenetic year, with recruiters challenged in unique ways never seen before, the big question was: What next?
This free and exclusive virtual event gathered Britain’s recruitment industry leaders to discuss the following insights:
• Review the hiring activity across key sectors of the UK economy over the past year and present expert insight into the jobs market and emerging trends
• Analyse what impact a second year of the pandemic has had and look ahead to how rising inflation and global political and economic uncertainty may affect Britain’s labour market and professional vacancies.
James Chaplin, Vacancysoft CEO presenting, where attendees also had the opportunity to both network with each other and ask questions about the presentation directly.
Matt Gallivan, Chief Revenue Officer talks about tools that allow you to make data-driven decision making by analysing the market as to what is happening in your markets, whether that be by sector, location or by role. Vacancy Analytics gives you knowledge and data at your fingertips.
Agenda as follows:
12.00 doors open – introduction and short networking
12.05 20-minute presentation on market activity by James Chaplin
12.25 15-min Data-driven decision making in 2022
12.40 Annual Magazine launch
12.45 Q&A
13.00 Event ends
If you are responsible for business planning and strategy don’t miss this unique opportunity to get insights on the latest market activity and what it could mean for your business.
This webinar is useful to: Recruitment Firm Directors, Operational & Marketing Managers in Recruitment Firms, Corporate Recruiters, Managers in RPOs and MSPs. HR Managers.
Download our Year in Review Magazine 2021 edition below!
In our annual magazine 2021 edition you will find a full review of the hiring activities across key sectors of the UK economy over the past year. The magazine covers trends seen in Britain’s tech, life sciences, law, finance, real estate and insurance industries.
Alternatively, download our presentation slides below:
Report – UK Energy Crisis: Telecoms Sector Exclusion from BICS UK Tech Labour Market Trends
UK Energy Crisis: Telecoms Sector Exclusion from BICS - UK Tech Labour Market Trends Energy Costs Threaten the Future of UK Telecoms The UK's telecoms industry is navigating a rapidly changing landscape as rising energy costs, expanding 5G infrastructure and evolving...
Report – AI & Media Focus UK Tech Labour Market Trends
AI & Media Focus - UK Tech Labour Market Trends Report Artificial Intelligence Redefines the Future of UK Media Artificial intelligence is transforming every corner of the UK media industry, reshaping how content is created, distributed and monetised while...
Report – North East Regional Labour Market Trends
North East - Regional Labour Market Trends Report North East Labour Market Shows Resilient Growth in 2026 The North East continues to strengthen its position as one of the UK's most resilient regional economies, supported by a diverse mix of advanced manufacturing,...
Report – Golden Triangle UK Life Sciences Labour Market Trends
Golden Triangle - UK Life Sciences Labour Market Trends Report AI and Biotechnology Fuel Golden Triangle Recruitment Growth The UK's Life Sciences sector is entering a new phase of growth, fuelled by investment in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and...
Report – Accounting & Finance UK Finance Labour Market Trends
Accounting & Finance UK - Finance Labour Market Trends Report Commerce & Industry Drives Accountancy Recruitment Growth UK accountancy hiring is increasingly split between Financial Services and Commerce & Industry. Within Financial Services,...
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.
Tax – UK Finance Market Labout Trends
The UK tax labour market is entering a correction phase after a sharp expansion in 2025. Vacancies rose by around 19% last year, but are now projected to decline by roughly 10% in 2026, pointing to stabilisation rather than contraction.
South West – Regional Labour Market Trends
Hiring conditions in the South West have improved at the start of 2026, though the pace remains controlled. Vacancies rose by 7.9% compared to the previous quarter, returning close to levels seen at the start of 2025. This suggests demand has stabilised, with employers resuming hiring where required rather than expanding broadly

