UK Hiring Hits a Slump Again in April—Thanks for the U.S. Tariff Thumbs Up
It looks like the job market in the UK has been hit a second time in April, with hiring numbers dipping again because of the latest U.S. tariff drama. APSCo’s newest “Hiring Trends” report, a joint effort with Bullhorn, confirms that both contract and permanent roles are taking a nosedive.
Crunch‑Time Numbers
- New Roles: Contract positions shrank by 6% month‑on‑month; permanent roles fell by 5%.
- Placements: Contract placements dipped by 11%; permanent placements fell by 8%.
Those stats follow a brief bright spot in March when hiring was slightly up, but the U.S. tariff chatter has put new strain on the market.
Words From the Top
- Samantha Hurley, APSCo’s UK MD: “There’s no doubt the U.S. news has dampened the recovery we were seeing. It’s a real let‑down, but cushion everything and don’t fall into a panic trap. Good talent—especially the highly skilled types—remains hard as a rock.
- Andy Ingham, Bullhorn EMEA & APAC VP: “The April data tells us the market has slid from the March momentum, an unusual seasonal dip. Global tariffs might have sparked this. Stay alert, don’t rush—patience is key.”
In short, the workforce landscape is still a rollercoaster. Companies must keep their cool, adapt fast, and remember that top talent doesn’t grow on trees—so professional recruiters are more critical than ever.
Key Takeaways
- Both contract and permanent hiring slipped in April.
- U.S. tariff news appears to be the main catalyst for the downturn.
- Employers are advised not to overreact but to stay steady and rely on solid recruiters.
