Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

UK Temp Hires Surge, Permanent Jobs Drop Sharply

5/13/2026

50 10

Summary

Story summary

UK employers added temporary staff at the fastest rate in two and a half years.
In April, British firms increased short-term hires while permanent hiring fell at the quickest three-month pace since 2022.
Employers said rising cost pressures and weak sentiment, amplified by the war in Iran, drove the shift.
Recruiters reported April pay growth rose slightly but stayed below the survey average, reflecting tighter budgets and subdued demand.

1 of 1

Story summary

UK employers added temporary staff at the fastest rate in two and a half years.
In April, British firms increased short-term hires while permanent hiring fell at the quickest three-month pace since 2022.
Employers said rising cost pressures and weak sentiment, amplified by the war in Iran, drove the shift.
Recruiters reported April pay growth rose slightly but stayed below the survey average, reflecting tighter budgets and subdued demand.