REC response to ONS labour market figures, June 2026 - REC

The ONS published its latest labour market figures this morning. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) Director of Campaigns Shazia Ejaz said:

“Much of the job market is on standby mode as employers wait for clearer signals while geopolitical tensions unfold. Global pressures and domestic political uncertainty are making employers hesitant to commit to hiring although latest REC data shows temp hiring is faring better than permanent.

“While employment and unemployment levels remain broadly steady in today’s data, this is a difficult labour market for jobseekers. Vacancies are falling across most sectors and workforce jobs are declining across many regions, showing demand for staff is easing.

“With the Gulf crisis resolution on the table, the government has an opportunity to kick off a new phase in hiring. It will take a more pragmatic approach, one that supports business confidence and seriously rethinks its guaranteed hours proposals. Coupled with increases in National Insurance costs these rules risk a tipping point for hiring that could dent the resilience that UK businesses have shown in recent times.”