UK job postings remain 31% below pre-pandemic levels, Indeed data shows
The Indeed Hiring Lab's August 2026 snapshot reveals UK job postings have stabilised recently but remain far below early-2020 baseline. Posting volumes continue to lag peer economies, and most sectors sit below pre-pandemic levels, with nursing and software development particularly hard-hit.
UK job postings have stabilised in recent weeks but the labour market continues to underperform historically and compared to peer economies, according to Indeed's August 2026 Hiring Lab snapshot. Postings stood at an index level of 69 as of mid-August, meaning they remain 31% below the early-2020 baseline. Overall hiring demand has held steady since June, but the level of demand is still weak.
The sectoral picture reveals uneven weakness. Most sectors tracked sit below their pre-pandemic posting levels. Only a handful of sectors—notably Civil Engineering and Education & Instruction—have postings higher than 2020 baseline, while Nursing and Software Development roles remain far below their historical levels. Meanwhile, AI mentions in job postings have continued to rise, now appearing in 9.4% of UK postings as of end-June, a new high.
What this means for job seekers
- Employer confidence remains low despite cost pressures easing somewhat
- The low-hire, low-fire pattern shows little sign of breaking; redundancies are modest but hiring appetite remains weak
- Working-age population growth (up 4.7% over the period) means competition for jobs continues to intensify
If you are a foreigner or expat seeking UK employment, this is a challenging environment. Your visa sponsor must be actively hiring, and competition from UK and EU residents is significant. Roles in sectors with strong posting levels like civil engineering or education, or those requiring specific technical skills, offer better prospects than generic positions. Start your job search early and be prepared for longer hiring cycles.
Sources
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