September’s data confirmed the restart: permanent placements at a four-year high and private sector demand growing for the first time in over two years. Now the market is rebalancing, from temp towards perm, London towards national, deep candidate pool towards draining. The October edition covers the six numbers that moved, the three shifts underneath them, and a decision tree to work out your next move before the Budget makes it for you.

It's started. UK permanent hiring grew in August for the first time in 47 months and London led the way. This month: why we think the restart is real, the advantage four quiet years have handed you, and a twelve-question hiring readiness test. Download the September 2026 report.

For 45 months, permanent placements fell. In July, they stopped - the first month without a decline since October 2022. The fall has ended; growth hasn't started. But temporary hiring grew for a fourth month, and starting salaries rose at their fastest rate in six months. Which raises the real question: after three years of freezes and exceptions, is the workforce mix you have one you'd choose again? Read the August Talent Trends Report for more.