First 2 Recruit Ltd

09/09/2026

We've got more technology than ever to help us screen candidates. But are we actually getting better at spotting the right people?

The best hiring processes use technology to support judgement, not replace it.

https://paiger.link/1890273496

08/09/2026

US job growth came in much stronger than expected in August, which is an interesting contrast to the more cautious picture we've been seeing here in the UK. Are UK employers starting to regain confidence too, or are hiring decisions still being held back by uncertainty?

Source: Recruiting Headlines, September 2026

Photo credit: Alex KotliarskyiThe U.S. labor market is showing some unexpected strength at the end of the summer, adding some 162,000 jobs in August. That number is nearly three times what economists expected (55,000). Moreover,

04/09/2026

Two-thirds of employees experiencing burnout in just 12 months is a surprisingly high figure.

67% of employees say they've experienced burnout in the past year. Are employers getting better at preventing it, or are we still stepping in too late?

Source: Employee Benefits, 3 September 2026 https://paiger.link/1021872814

04/09/2026

A useful reminder that employee benefits are only valuable if people understand them.

Royal London's June 2026 Financial Resilience Report found that 19% of UK adults could cover essential bills for just one month or less if their income stopped through illness.

Is your employer doing enough to explain the protection and benefits already available to you?

Source: Royal London, Financial Resilience Report, June 2026 https://paiger.link/992733273

01/09/2026

The gender pay gap in accountancy is reportedly still sitting at 21%.

PQ Magazine's September 2026 issue reports average salaries of £85,900 for men and £68,000 for women.

Are we really still dealing with this in 2026?

https://paiger.link/2093240152

28/08/2026

The long weekend is nearly here 🙌

Hopefully it will rain at night and be glorious sunshine in the day!

Following on from my earlier post about resilience, I liked this reminder: "You'll never know your limits unless you push yourself."

Stepping outside our comfort zone is exactly what shows us what we're capable of.

Have a great weekend everyone!

https://paiger.link/855939360

28/08/2026

How resilient do you feel at work right now?

When pressure builds, setbacks happen or plans change, are you able to adapt and keep moving forward, or do you find it harder to bounce back?

Read our latest post/report here -> https://first2recruit.ac-page.com/how-to-achieve-your-career-goals-by-developing-resilience

https://paiger.link/1154181643

27/08/2026

London Insolvency / Restructuring employers — if you're hiring don't miss this candidate

I'm currently representing an Insolvency Administrator with 3+ years' experience who is ready to move into a broader role across Insolvency, Restructuring or Advisory.

What makes this profile interesting is the mix of practical case experience and a strong analytical background.

They have exposure to:

Administrations and CVLs
Pre-packaged sales
FCA-regulated Administration work
Large-turnover assignments
Directors, HMRC, agents, solicitors and regulated stakeholders

Alongside that, they hold an MSc in Business Analytics & Finance and are looking for a role that offers more variety, stronger progression and greater exposure to restructuring and advisory work.

Based in London and targeting around £40k.

If you're hiring - or even thinking about strengthening your team - this is someone I'd suggest speaking to sooner rather than later.

Message me for a confidential CV and conversation.

https://paiger.link/816216747

20/07/2026

Who's the Most Stressed Generation?

Employers and workers can't seem to agree on who feels the most stress. According to recent research, GRiD found a significant difference in perspective. Employers believe Millennials, those born between 1981 and 1996, are the most stressed. They associate this stress with finances, home life, and work.

But younger workers say Gen Z is feeling the most pressure. Gen Z employees report the highest levels of stress related to work (28%), finances and debt (19%), and home life (17%).

Interestingly, Baby Boomers report the lowest levels of stress, while Generation X falls somewhere between the older and younger generations.

What does this mean for employers?

- Don't assume one group is more stressed
- Recognise that different generations face different challenges
- Offer a range of mental health support options that can help everyone

The key takeaway: Listen to your employees and tailor your wellbeing strategies to meet diverse needs.

For more insights on building a supportive workplace environment, visit https://first2recruit.co.uk.

Employers see Millennials as the generation under the greatest pressure, but Gen Z workers report the highest levels of stress.

16/07/2026

Interesting read from www.cipd.org...👑 Chris Bones: leaders can't manage AI risk from the side lines.

Learn more about the people profession – its wide-ranging roles and expertise, the standards we uphold, and the impact our profession makes.