Resource Centre

Unemployment falls while vacancies hit a new post- pandemic low

In the quarter to August 2026, employment rose, unemployment and inactivity decreased, and regular wage growth held firm. The youth unemployment rate dropped below 16% but remained significantly higher than the headline adult rate. Meanwhile, vacancies fell to their lowest level in five years in the quarter to September.

Oct 20, 2026

Young people continue to bear the brunt as hiring difficulties continue

In the quarter to July 2026, headline employment and unemployment held broadly as they were, and economic inactivity fell. Meanwhile, youth unemployment climbed to 16.4%, vacancies fell again, and regular pay growth held steady.

Sep 15, 2026

‘Low hire, low fire’ labour market dynamics persist, as vacancies continue to fall

In the quarter to June 2026, employment rose, headline unemployment fell and economic inactivity was broadly unchanged. Meanwhile, youth unemployment remained above 16%, vacancies fell again, and regular pay growth showed signs of resilience.

Aug 18, 2026

UK labour market shows some signs of resilience, but hiring caution continues

In the quarter to May 2026, employment levels rose, unemployment and economic inactivity fell, vacancy levels showed signs of stabilising, and nominal regular wage growth remained at its lowest level in over five years. Concerningly high youth unemployment levels have also persisted.

Jul 21, 2026

Unemployment falls, inactivity rises, and vacancies drop even further

In the quarter to April 2026, employment and inactivity levels rose, unemployment fell, vacancies continued to decline, and regular wage growth in the private sector slowed to its lowest level in over five years. Youth unemployment also remained concerningly high.

Jun 18, 2026

Gender Pay Gap Report 2026

For over 60 years, Pertemps has been synonymous with both permanent and temporary recruitment. Founded in 1961 as an independent, family-run business, Pertemps has grown into one of the UK’s largest independent providers of staffing solutions. We deliver services across all industry sectors, while also specialising in niche recruitment solutions

Jun 3, 2026

Unemployment rate returns to 5% and vacancies fall to post-pandemic low

In the quarter to March 2026, unemployment levels fell, but the unemployment rate (5.0%) is up on last month’s figure (4.9%). Employment and economic inactivity both rose, and vacancies declined even further.

May 19, 2026

Unemployment rate falls to 4.9%, but signs of hiring caution remain

In the quarter to February 2026, the unemployment level and rate fell, employment levels rose slightly but the employment rate decreased, and wage growth continued to slow. There was also a notable uptick in economic inactivity, and vacancies have fallen even further.

Apr 21, 2026

UK Labour Market Cooling Continues And Business Hiring Caution Persists

In the quarter to January 2026, employment and unemployment levels both rose, the inactivity rate fell, vacancies were broadly unchanged, and regular wage growth slowed to its lowest level in five years.

Mar 19, 2026

Making STEM hiring work for infrastructure employers

Hiring in the STEM sector presents a real opportunity for infrastructure employers. The STEM skills shortage is a challenge, but it also gives employers a chance to rethink how they attract and grow talent in a way that meets candidates where they are.

Feb 18, 2026