By Christian Furness, published 11 November 2025
The latest UK labour market figures have confirmed what many of us in recruitment have been hearing from clients for months - things are slowing down. Unemployment has risen, vacancies are falling, and competition for jobs is increasing. It’s a challenging landscape, but it’s also exactly the kind of market where a well-connected recruiter can make all the difference.
What the numbers are saying
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the UK unemployment rate rose to 5.0% between July and September 2025 - up from 4.8% the previous quarter. That’s the highest level since 2021. Meanwhile, the number of job vacancies fell by another 9,000, down to 717,000 - the 39th consecutive drop. And the unemployment-to-vacancy ratio now sits at 2.4, meaning more people are chasing fewer roles. HMRC payroll data also shows fewer people in work across most of the past year, suggesting that businesses are continuing to rein in hiring.
A Cooling Market and a Changing Dynamic
Put simply, the market is cooling. The combination of rising unemployment and falling vacancies shows a clear shift in momentum. And while the ONS has advised some caution with the short-term data, the trend is unmistakable. There’s also wider economic impact. Slowing wage growth and weaker hiring momentum are fuelling speculation that the Bank of England may cut interest rates in December to help stimulate the economy.
Why the Right Recruiter Matters More Than Ever
So, what does all this mean for employers and job seekers? In times like these, the value of a trusted recruitment partner becomes even more apparent. When the market tightens, opportunities don’t disappear - they just become harder to find. And that’s where we come in.
At Sheridan Maine, we’ve seen these cycles before. We know how to navigate them. Our strength lies in our network, our relationships, and our ability to go the extra mile to uncover the very best that the market has to offer - both in terms of talent and opportunity.
Our clients have been telling us for a while that it’s getting tougher to find the right people. These latest figures only confirm that reality. In a shrinking market, having someone in your corner who’s deeply connected and proactive can make all the difference.
Looking Ahead
Yes, the market is what it is - more competitive, more selective, and a little tougher to navigate. But that doesn’t mean opportunity has disappeared. It simply means finding it requires a more strategic approach.
At Sheridan Maine, we remain focused on doing what we do best: helping our clients and candidates move forward with confidence, clarity, and the right connections.
Because no matter the market, the right partnership will always give you the edge.
