UK Job Postings Plunge Further: Market Now 32% Below Pre-Pandemic Baseline
Latest Indeed Hiring Lab report reveals UK job postings have fallen 11% since January 2026, with employer hiring appetite subdued by cost pressures and global uncertainty. The labour market remains highly selective, with vacancies still below pre-pandemic levels despite stability in hiring.
The UK's hiring market shows no signs of near-term improvement, according to Indeed's mid-year 2026 jobs report released early August. Job postings have slipped an additional 11% since the start of 2026 and now stand 32% below their pre-pandemic baseline of 1 February 2020—a stark contrast to peer economies like the US and euro area where postings remain at or above pre-pandemic levels.
Employer sentiment remains weak across most occupational categories, with cost pressures and global uncertainty suppressing hiring appetite. Notably, new graduates continue to face a particularly challenging market, with graduate-level job postings running at one of their lowest levels as a share of overall postings. While redundancies remain low, the overall labour market is characterised by a "low-hire, low-fire equilibrium" with little sign of breaking in either direction.
Implications for Job-Seekers
- Competitive landscape: The market is becoming more selective; organisations are focusing hiring on roles directly tied to growth, transformation and operational resilience.
- Sector variation: Most occupational categories have seen year-on-year declines in job postings, though some specialist roles remain in demand.
If you're an expat or skilled worker seeking a role in the UK, the narrower pipeline means you'll face more competition, but roles that do open tend to align with strategic priorities. Ensure your CV emphasises how you can contribute to transformation or operational resilience in your field.
Sources
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