The latest KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs: Midlands survey, compiled by S&P Global, indicated that the number of permanent staff appointments in the Midlands fell at a quicker rate at the end of the third quarter. In contrast, there was a stronger and solid rise in temp billings that was the quickest since November 2024.
The supply of candidates continued to rise markedly, though demand for permanent and short-term staff diverged. While permanent vacancies fell sharply, Midlands-based recruiters recorded a slight increase in temp vacancies. On the pay front, starting salaries rose solidly in September, though the increase remained slower than the historical average. At the same time, temp pay growth improved to a four-month high.
The KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs: Midlands is compiled by S&P Global from responses to questionnaires sent to around 100 recruitment and employment consultancies in the Midlands.
Kate Holt, people consulting partner at KPMG in the Midlands, said: “Despite permanent hiring remaining underwhelming, the Midlands is holding up better than elsewhere, with the softest decline in placements across the UK. This reflects the resilience of businesses in the region, who continue to make cautious but considered workforce decisions.
“Meanwhile, the Midlands saw the strongest rise in temp billings in ten months and was the only region to record growth in temp vacancies – a sign that employers are using flexible staffing to keep projects moving and adapt to change.
“Candidate availability is also on the rise, creating new opportunities for employers to access talent that might not have been available previously. While pay pressures are easing slightly, many businesses are still prepared to offer competitive salaries to secure skills essential to growth and team development.”
