REC response to ONS labour market figures, September 2026

The ONS published its latest labour market figures this morning. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) Interim Chief Executive Maxine Bligh said:

“Jobseekers have been watching the same job market movie for a while now.

“A steady but unspectacular picture for both jobseekers and the wider economy, with employment and unemployment barely shifting. Falling payrolled employment suggests too much tentativeness remains in hiring decisions, although the temporary job market has at least stabilised, offering reassurance for those looking for immediate work or those unable to work permanently.

“The lack of momentum in the labour market shows the government must do more to give employers the confidence to take on staff. This means lessening the cost of doing business, giving firms a chance to switch from resilience to risk against the background of ongoing uncertainty.

“Pay growth remains resilient and will be watched closely by pension policymakers and ahead of the Bank of England’s next interest rate decision.

“Businesses will back the government going bold with the Budget next month to rebuild employer confidence by supporting growth, boosting hiring and strengthening labour market participation.”