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UK Job Market Freezes: Vacancies Hit 39-Quarter Low

12/11/2025

39 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Reeves' Hiring Constraints

The UK job market shows a "low-hire, low-fire" freeze as vacancies fall for 39 consecutive quarters to 717,000.
Hiring remains constrained by rising costs and cautious business practices, especially for graduates.
UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves raised National Insurance contributions and the minimum wage, straining hiring.
Job postings are 19% below pre-pandemic levels, with low-wage roles hardest hit as firms become more selective.

Summary

Kenya Launches Migrant Centre

Kenya launched its first Labour Migrant Resource Centre in Eldoret to promote safe, ethical labor migration.
NEA director general Edith Okoki said the centre will protect citizens seeking work abroad and guide ethical recruitment.
The centre will support young migrants and returning workers.
In India, the Ministry of Labour signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Microsoft to boost jobs and AI skilling via the National Career Service.

History

Historical Context

Following the 2008 global financial crisis, the UK faced severe economic challenges, with unemployment peaking at 8% in 2010. Businesses hesitated to hire due to rising costs and uncertainty, mirroring today's cautious labor market, where job vacancies have declined for 39 consecutive quarters. These ongoing hiring constraints continue to hinder economic recovery and shape labor dynamics in the UK.

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Reeves' Hiring Constraints

The UK job market shows a "low-hire, low-fire" freeze as vacancies fall for 39 consecutive quarters to 717,000.
Hiring remains constrained by rising costs and cautious business practices, especially for graduates.
UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves raised National Insurance contributions and the minimum wage, straining hiring.
Job postings are 19% below pre-pandemic levels, with low-wage roles hardest hit as firms become more selective.

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