Job Flow Index
Recruitment Statistics - October 2025
Recruitment Overview
In October, job creation declined slightly but overall placement activity continued to improve. Total placements were 10% higher year-on-year vs October 2024, reflecting solid growth despite mixed sector performance.
In October:
- The total volume of jobs created decreased by 7%
- The total volume of placements made increased by 5%
- Temporary & contract placements increased by 5%
- Permanent placements increased by 6%
On the permanent job flow, Sales & Digital Marketing placements rose by 44%, and Professional Services increased by 32%. On the temporary and contract side, Construction Trades & Labour placements were up 10%. While other sectors were softer, there were still notable wins across the board.
Speculative activity also strengthened: speculative CVs were up 6% versus September, reaching their highest level this year — 18% above August, the lowest month. Candidate applications increased from both existing and new candidates, including a 10% rise in new candidates.
While this uptick in applications might appear positive at first glance, it more likely reflects weaker demand on the job creation side or ongoing organisational changes within companies rather than a surge in hiring appetite. The increase in available candidates suggests that businesses are being more cautious with hiring decisions as market conditions evolve.
Looking ahead, with candidate activity remaining high, conversion efficiency — turning applications into placements — will be a key focus through November.
Jobs and placements created
The total number of jobs created decreased by 7% in October. The total number of placements made increased by 5%.
The total volume of placements made in October 2025 was 10% higher than in October 2024.
Permanent
The number of permanent jobs created in October stayed consitant with September with only 4 jobs less being posted.
There was a 6% increase in the number of permanent placements made in October.
Temp & Contract
The number of temp & contract jobs created decreased by 8% in October. There was a 5% increase in the number of temp & contract placements made in October.
The total number of temp & contract placements made in October 2025 was 11% higher than in October 2024.
Placements by sector
Professional Services
Permanent placements in the professional services sector increased by 32% in October.
Temp & contract placements in the professional services sector decreased by 14% in October.
Finance & Accountancy
Permanent placements in the finance and accountancy increased by 4% in October.
Temporary & contract placements in this sector decreased by 16% in October.
Construction, Trades & Labour
Permanent placements in the construction, trades & labour sector decreased by 2% in October.
Temporary & contract placements in the construction, trades & labour sector increased by 10% in October, with October bring the second highest month for temp and contract placements this year.
Technology
Permanent placements in the technology sector decreased by 21% in October.
Temporary & contract placements in the technology sector decreased by 40% in October. This however comes after a successful September where we saw the highest placements of the year so far.
Engineering, Manufacturing, FMCG & Warehousing
Permanent placements in the manufacturing, engineering, FMCG & warehousing sector decreased by 18% in October.
Temporary & contract placements in this sector decreased by 69% in October.
Temp & contract placements were at the lowest level so far this year in the engineering, manufacturing, FMCG & warehousing sector. 45% lower than August where we've seen the lowest figures recorded till now.
Sales & Digital Marketing
Permanent placements in the sales & digital marketing sector increased by 44% in August.
Temporary and contract placements in sales & digital marketing decreased by 56% in August.
Job Adverts
This chart shows the number of new job adverts posted each month across all sectors and platforms. Multiple adverts can be posted per job, but this data indicates the volume of active adverts per month.
The number of job adverts posted decreased by 19% in October.
Quality Applications Per Job
The number of quality applications per job decreased by 1 in October. This is the first dip we have experienced since June 2025.
Application Source
The source of applications for your agency's job is a good indicator of the strength of your agency's brand presence and candidate loyalty.
In October 32% of applications were made by existing candidates, which resulted in a 10% increase in the total number of applications.
Applications from re-engaged candidates
87% of applications from re-engaged candidates were generated by Job Alerts in October.
Candidate applications from web sources
52% of applications from web sources were generated by Job Boards in October.
Spec CVs Sent
The sending of speculative CVs (when there is no formal role available) can indicate market confidence and business development activity. There is a clear correlation between Spec CV activity and the number of jobs created in any given month.
There were 6% more spec CVs sent in October.
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