KPMG, REC data | Jobs market downturn continues as hiring slows again

The UK labour market continued to weaken midway through the first quarter of 2025, with businesses holding back on recruitment amid economic uncertainty and rising payroll costs, the latest KPMG and REC UK Report on Jobs survey has found.

Compiled by S&P Global, the report signalled a further drop in both permanent and temporary placements in February. While the pace of decline eased slightly from January, hiring activity remained constrained as employers paused or scaled back hiring plans.