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Reporting on data from thousands of direct employers across the UK.
Carrying out in-depth analysis of all vacancies advertised throughout the UK, Ashdown continually reviews the latest UK job market data and presents an overview of the current employment market. Request further information or benchmarking on a specific position, or visit our IT, HR, Accountancy & Marketing insights pages to get a more detailed view of individual sectors.
Early Job Market Recovery in 2026 Plateaus Amid Global Uncertainty
The UK job market entered 2026 with early signs of improvement after softening in 2024 and 2025. Economic activity strengthened in Q1. This was supported by a modest rebound in GDP and improving business confidence, especially in professional and services sectors.
Unemployment stabilised at just above 5%, reflecting a job market that had loosened but not materially weakened by historical standards. Though vacancy levels remained below post-pandemic highs, they were relatively steady, suggesting that employer demand was more measured rather than significantly reduced.
However, this positive trend has plateaued in recent months. Rising geopolitical tensions, especially in the Middle East, have increased uncertainty, causing energy price volatility and weaker business confidence. As a result, UK growth forecasts have been revised downward, and organisations have become more cautious with hiring and investment.
Despite these challenges, recruitment activity remains stable. Hiring has not declined sharply, but employers are prioritising essential roles and candidates who deliver clear commercial value. Salary growth has moderated, reflecting a more balanced market after several years of candidate-driven conditions.
Looking ahead in 2026, the UK job market is stabilising rather than contracting. Demand persists in key sectors but is more selective, with a clear shift toward skills that support productivity, transformation, and long-term business performance.
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IT, HR, Marketing and Accountancy Qualifications
Candidates are having to do more and more to stand out from the crowd when job hunting, and employers are increasingly looking at ways to improve candidate attraction and retention. Ongoing training and professional development can increase chances of job hunting success, and is a benefit that should be offered to improve employee attraction and retention.
We list the industry standard IT, HR, Marketing & Accountancy qualifications, certifications, accreditations and courses to improve your career.
Salary Guide
Our Salary Guide focuses on the IT, HR, marketing and accountancy sectors, created from data analysed from over 3,550 organisations, 22,000 registered jobs, 314,000 recently active candidates, ONS data and other external data sources. Explore industry specific salary data and salaries for individual job roles, based on experience and location.
IT, HR, Accountancy & Marketing Insights
Explore our industry specific insights to find out how individual roles are performing
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