Extra candidates combating for fewer jobs as companies ‘maintain again on hiring’

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Your help makes all of the distinction. Learn extra A brand new survey has revealed that the variety of candidates accessible for jobs has elevated on the quickest fee in over 4 years, in response to recruiters.

The survey, performed by KPMG and the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), indicated an additional discount in recruitment exercise by firms in Might.

Everlasting placements decreased final month, whereas the provision of candidates elevated on the quickest fee in practically four-and-a-half years.

The report, which is predicated on information from 400 recruitment businesses, cited redundancies and fewer job alternatives as contributing elements.

<img src="https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/06/12/16/28/The-availability-of-candidates-for-jobs-has-increased-at-the-biggest-rate-for-more-than-four-years-a.jpeg" srcset="https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/06/12/16/28/The-availability-of-candidates-for-jobs-has-increased-at-the-biggest-rate-for-more-than-four-years-a.jpeg?quality=75&width=320&crop=3%3A2%2Csmart&trim=0%2C121%2C0%2C150&auto=webp 320w, https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/06/12/16/28/The-availability-of-candidates-for-jobs-has-increased-at-the-biggest-rate-for-more-than-four-years-a.jpeg?quality=75&width=640&crop=3%3A2%2Csmart&trim=0%2C121%2C0%2C150&auto=webp 640w" loading="lazy" alt="The availability of candidates for jobs has increased at the biggest rate for more than four years, according to recruiters" class="sc-1mc30lb-0 ggpMaE inline-gallery-btn"/> open picture in gallery

The supply of candidates for jobs has elevated on the greatest fee for greater than 4 years, in response to recruiters (PA) Jon Holt, group chief government at KPMG, commented on the info: "Might’s information reveals little or no change. Employers are nonetheless holding again on hiring, which meant final month the variety of jobseekers elevated on the steepest fee since 2020."

“The primary half of this yr has been stuffed with uncertainty for companies who're nonetheless attempting to navigate price pressures, expertise developments and world dangers.”

Neil Carberry, REC chief government, stated: “Extra encouraging indicators in temp billings, vacancies and stabilising non-public sector demand provide a measure of optimism as we head into the second half of the yr.

“There are early indicators of promise, notably within the Midlands, which noticed its first improve in everlasting placements in a yr and an increase in billings after 4 months. In the meantime, the downturn in non permanent billings has eased additional in London and the north of England.

“With the economic technique imminent, companies are on the lookout for greater than speak of renewal, they need a transparent plan for an financial revival.

“One which acknowledges the central position of fine workforce coverage – past simply employment rights.”

<img src="https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/05/13/6/17/employment-workers-walking-stock.jpeg" srcset="https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/05/13/6/17/employment-workers-walking-stock.jpeg?quality=75&width=320&crop=3%3A2%2Csmart&trim=0%2C15%2C0%2C15&auto=webp 320w, https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/05/13/6/17/employment-workers-walking-stock.jpeg?quality=75&width=640&crop=3%3A2%2Csmart&trim=0%2C15%2C0%2C15&auto=webp 640w" loading="lazy" alt="The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicated a slowdown in wage growth coupled with a rise in unemployment" class="sc-1mc30lb-0 ggpMaE inline-gallery-btn"/> open picture in gallery

The newest information from the Workplace for Nationwide Statistics (ONS) indicated a slowdown in wage progress coupled with an increase in unemployment (Getty/iStock) The newest information from the Workplace for Nationwide Statistics (ONS) indicated a slowdown in wage progress coupled with an increase in unemployment, signalling a cooling labour market.

Common common earnings progress eased to five.6 per cent within the three months to March, the bottom since November 2024, in response to the statistics physique. Nonetheless, wages proceed to outpace inflation, rising 2.6 per cent when adjusted for the Client Costs Index.

Consultants have expressed concern over the figures, with the Decision Basis attributing the scenario to current tax insurance policies.

Nye Cominetti, Principal Economist on the assume tank, stated: "Whereas current UK information on progress has been encouraging, the labour market image is a serious fear."

"The current rise in employer Nationwide Insurance coverage might have accelerated this slowdown, with the variety of hospitality jobs falling notably sharply for the reason that tax rise got here into impact in April."