UK Job Postings Rose in March - But what comes next?

UK job postings rose 5.6% in March to around 1.6 million, signalling a clear spring rebound after a muted winter, according to the latest SIA coverage of REC data. Growth was strongest in logistics, hospitality and transport roles - sectors that typically respond fastest to short‑term demand.

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This uplift, however, looks more like a seasonal release of pent‑up hiring than the start of a sustained acceleration. Pre‑Easter demand and delayed decisions from late 2025 boosted activity, but underlying confidence remains fragile.

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Looking ahead, we would expect April numbers to soften. Ongoing uncertainty linked to the Gulf, combined with post‑Easter pauses and rising cost pressures, is likely to weigh on employer sentiment. REC has already flagged geopolitical risk as a key factor that could quickly stall momentum.

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For recruitment and staffing businesses, this is where execution matters most. When demand fluctuates, firms with clean data, real‑time visibility and automated workflows can adapt faster - protecting productivity even as volumes shift.

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March was encouraging but April will show who’s built for volatility.

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For the full market picture, read the SIA coverage of the REC Report here.

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