What you need to know

The recruitment market saw a reduction in its rate of growth in 2019. This has been the result of economic uncertainty due to Brexit, in addition to rising trade tensions that have started to affect the global economy.

This uncertainty has also had a positive effect on some areas of the market, with a shift towards flexible working increasing demand for temporary employees, as businesses avoid substantial investment and hiring. The flexibility of temporary hiring allows businesses to expand and contract their labour costs in line with uncertain demand, and without the expenses associated with permanent employment.

Meanwhile issues such as the NHS and social care staff shortages and increasing political awareness of issues such as climate change are creating opportunities for existing recruiters to leverage their experience to fill these high-demand roles.

On the assumption of a managed exit from the EU, growth is forecast to return to a pace similar to that seen prior to the referendum as pressures on the market are lifted.

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