Activity in UK’s embattled manufacturing sector hits 15-month high

The UK’s embattled manufacturing sector took another small step towards recovery at the end of 2025 thanks to an influx of new orders. The latest UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) from S&P Global UK hit a 15-month high as the industry continued to grow for the second consecutive month. The PMI reading hit 50.6, up from 50.2 … Continued

Recruitment sector contributes more than £40 billion a year to the UK economy despite tough job market

Economic uncertainty and a lack of bold growth strategies from successive governments are squeezing the job market, according to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation’s latest Recruitment Industry Status Report (RISR). Since 2024, the job market has tightened, with fewer placements and shorter contracts, but flexible and temporary work remains a critical pillar to meeting people’s … Continued

UK ranks among world’s hardest-working countries as remote side jobs rise

The United Kingdom has been named one of the world’s hardest-working countries in a new international ranking that suggests rising numbers of workers are taking on second jobs, driven by flexible hours and growing financial pressure. Research conducted by international SEO agency Loopex Digital analysed workforce data across major economies to determine which populations are … Continued

UK economy sees flash of ‘hope’ as manufacturing roars back to life

The UK economy experienced a glimmer of “hope” in October as manufacturing sprang back to life, bringing an end to a year-long decline. The latest ‘flash’ PMI from S&P Global revealed business activity leapt to a two-month peak of 51.1, climbing from 50.1 in September, as reported by City AM. This expansion was fuelled by a dramatic recovery … Continued

Job vacancies rise as hiring rebounds after summer slowdown

Job vacancies increased across the UK in September as employers restarted recruitment after the summer lull, according to the latest Labour Market Tracker from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). The data suggests signs of stability returning to hiring following a weaker performance a year earlier. The REC, which represents the UK’s recruitment industry, reported 742,967 … Continued

UK’s construction slump eases

A slowdown across the UK’s construction sector eased last month as housebuilding activity picked up pace, despite facing the longest stretch of job cutting since the pandemic, a new survey shows. The latest S&P Global UK construction purchasing managers’ index (PMI) showed a reading of 46.2 in September, up from 45.5 in August and its … Continued

UK manufacturing climbs the global rankings

According to Make UK, the UK’s manufacturing sector has risen in the global rankings to reach 11th place. This is up one place on last year’s world rankings and comes after the sector dropped out of the top ten for the first time in the previous data. Make UK’s annual ‘Manufacturing – The Facts’ report … Continued

REC response to ONS labour market figures, August 2025

The ONS published its latest labour market figures this morning. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) Deputy Chief Executive Kate Shoesmith said: “The labour market remains challenging, with many businesses maintaining a cautious approach to hiring. But if we are to harness the optimism businesses tell us they have for future recruitment later this year, … Continued