UK recruitment impacted by US tariff uncertainty

A new report shows that recruitment in the UK dropped, with uncertainty around US tariffs thought to be the key contributing factor.

In March, figures remained fairly optimistic, with marginal increases in hiring; however, April tells a different story.

The Association of Professional Staffing Companies’ (APSCo) latest Hiring Trends analysis revealed a reduction in the number of new roles added between March and April.

The number of permanent roles added dropped -5% month-on-month, while contract jobs fell -6%.

Samantha Hurley, UK Managing Director at APSCo, commented, “There’s no doubt that much of the news coming out of the US is hindering some of the recovery previously noted, which is certainly disappointing.

“However, as most businesses are increasingly recognising, fast-paced change is today’s reality and firms need to be able to adapt and respond appropriately. That includes ensuring blips such as this don’t lead to unnecessarily rash decisions. Good people – particularly those in highly skilled remits – are still hard to come by, and employers continue to turn to the best recruiters to source these individuals.

“Staffing firms need to stand their ground and demonstrate now more than ever, just why they are the valuable asset we know them to be. Following the doom and gloom agenda will only add fuel to the fire.”

Andy Ingham, Senior Vice President Sales, EMEA and APAC, Bullhorn, added, “The April data shows a decline in permanent and temporary jobs, a shift from the positive momentum reflected in the March data and seasonally uncharacteristic.

“Data suggests that the implementation of global tariffs at the beginning of the month may have influenced the April report. The market should remain vigilant and exercise patience, not react in haste.”

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