08/10/2026
Is the UK recruitment market finally turning a corner?
The latest KPMG and REC Report on Jobs for September 2026 offers some encouraging signs for the UK recruitment market, particularly across Engineering and Technology.
After a prolonged period of challenging conditions, there are reasons for cautious optimism.
Some key findings from the report:
✅ Permanent placements are increasing – UK permanent placements have risen for the second consecutive month, with September recording the strongest growth in four years.
✅ Engineering and IT are leading the way – IT & Computing and Engineering were the two strongest sectors for permanent vacancy growth.
✅ Private sector demand is improving – Permanent vacancies increased across the private sector for the first time in over two years.
✅ Contract recruitment remains positive – Temporary billings continued to grow, although at a slower pace.
✅ Candidate availability remains high – More candidates are entering the market, but specialist skills shortages persist.
The South of England is yet to see the same recovery.
Permanent placements across the region continue to decline, although the rate of contraction in permanent vacancies has eased to its weakest in two and a half years.
At Electus Recruitment Solutions, one of the most interesting findings is the continued demand for specialist technical skills despite greater candidate availability.
Engineering, Cyber Security, Software, Electronics and Security-Cleared IT professionals remain among the skills reported as being in short supply.
More candidates in the market doesn't necessarily mean the right skills are easier to find.
For employers, maintaining access to specialist talent and planning ahead for future recruitment requirements remains important.
While it's too early to call this a sustained recovery, the improving national picture and renewed demand across Engineering and Technology are welcome developments.
As we move into the final quarter of 2026, it will be interesting to see whether this momentum continues and translates into greater hiring confidence heading into 2027.
Are you seeing signs of recruitment activity picking up, or are hiring decisions still being delayed?
