Upsurge in Job Listings in the UK Job Market - Reported by REC (Recruitment and Employment Confederation)
UK Job Market Shows Mixed Trends in First Half of 2025
In the first six months of 2025, the UK job market exhibited a mix of growth and contraction across various sectors.
Transport and logistics emerged as a standout performer, with a significant rise in demand for professionals in this field. According to the latest Labour Market Tracker six-month update, new job postings for transport and logistics professionals increased by 6.2%, with Train and Tram Drivers seeing the biggest growth at +133.7% [1].
On the other hand, sectors such as technology, HR, and finance experienced a notable decline in opportunities. Job postings for Stonemasons and Related Trades, for instance, increased by 63.9% compared to the same period in 2024, but this was a notable exception [2].
In the education, health, and social care sectors, while specific detailed data is limited, the overall UK labor market showed a decrease in total vacancies by 56,000 in April to June 2025, affecting 14 of 18 industry sectors [5]. However, roles within these sectors such as Generalist Medical Practitioners (12.0%) and Registered Children's Nurses (11.7%) experienced increases [6].
Despite the overall reduction in vacancies, employment figures indicate that the employment rate increased slightly compared to a year ago, but unemployment also rose to 4.7% in March to May 2025. Wages grew modestly, particularly in the public sector, which includes education and health [5]. However, recruitment activity was reduced overall in June 2025 amid economic uncertainty and business caution [3].
At the other end of the scale, job postings declined most sharply for Actors, Entertainers and Presenters (-52.2%), Delivery Operatives (-57.5%), and Stock Control Clerks and Assistants (-57.8%) [3].
In summary, the UK job market in early 2025 is balancing between strong demand for logistics professionals and restrained hiring elsewhere, including education and health/social care. The transport and logistics sector is leading the way in terms of growth, while other sectors like technology, HR, and finance are experiencing a decline in opportunities. The employment rate has slightly increased, but unemployment has also risen, and wages have grown modestly, particularly in the public sector. Recruitment activity has been reduced due to economic uncertainty and business caution.
[1] Labour Market Tracker six-month update [2] Stonemasons and Related Trades job postings [3] Recruitment activity in June 2025 [4] Decline in opportunities in technology and financial sectors [5] Employment figures and unemployment rate [6] Increases in roles within education, health, and social care sectors
Sports professionals might have found the job market challenging, as many sectors showed a decline in opportunities during the first half of 2025. In contrast, job postings for Stonemasons and Related Trades saw an increase, albeit a notable exception in the overall trend of contracting job opportunities.
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