Contract hiring numbers show promising signs of improvement

A new report has found that the contracting sector is showing promising signs of recovery.

Figures show that in May 2025, contract hiring numbers increased 4% month-on-month and 11% year-on-year. Permanent job postings, however, remain below 2024 levels (-32%), but the sector is stabilising, with numbers up 1% between April and May 2025.

The Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) latest Hiring Trends analysis – produced in conjunction with Bullhorn – also found that placement numbers in the professional staffing market are showing signs of optimism, with permanent levels up 3% month-on-month in May and contract placements up 1% in the same timeframe.

Samantha Hurley, UK Managing Director at APSCo, commented, “This latest data shows signs of optimism that the professional staffing sector will certainly welcome. The increase in contractor jobs and placements demonstrates that demand for expertise is growing, but caution remains in relation to increasing headcount. There will come a point where we see this shift back to the permanent market, but until then, this snippet of optimism should be a much-needed boost to recruiters.”

Andy Ingham, SVP Sales, EMEA & APAC at Bullhorn, added, “The May data shows a welcome uptick in perm and temp jobs following the dip in April. Permanent placements remain steady despite a lean pipeline – a testament to recruiter resilience and focus on quality. Contract jobs rebounded this month and are up 11% year over year. In a time of global uncertainty, agencies can view these trends with modest confidence.”

To find out more about contracting, please contact Jaime on 01442 795 100 or email jaime.thorpe@dolanaccountancy.com.