Job postings sit 19% below their pre-pandemic baseline as hiring demand remains weak

"New data from Indeed suggests the UK labour market will enter 2026 in a subdued state, with job postings 19 percent below their pre-pandemic level. This is an 8 percent year-on-year decline, though broadly unchanged since mid-April and up 4 percent over the past month. The analysis - covering job postings from 1 January to 21 November 2025 - also highlights the UK as an outlier, with postings in Europe and North America remaining above pre-pandemic levels."

"Low-wage occupations (20 percent below baseline) are tracking weaker than high-wage roles (14 percent below). This contrasts with Germany, France and Italy, where low-wage postings remain comparatively stronger. In the UK, sectors such as retail, hospitality and leisure - which employ large numbers of lower-paid workers - have been more exposed to rising payroll costs and substantial minimum wage increases."

Job postings in the UK are 19 percent below pre-pandemic levels, an 8 percent year-on-year decline, broadly unchanged since mid-April but up 4 percent over the past month. Europe and North America remain above pre-pandemic baselines, leaving the UK as an outlier. Low-wage occupations are 20 percent below baseline versus 14 percent below for high-wage roles, with retail, hospitality and leisure particularly exposed to rising payroll costs and minimum wage increases. All twelve UK regions saw year-on-year declines, led by the South East and London. Employers are scaling back benefit mentions and salary transparency, while medical and dental benefits rose slightly.

Read at London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com