Job postings in the first quarter showed a consistent level of demand, albeit at a lower rate than previous years.
According to the latest Recruitment & Employment Confederation and Lightcast Monthly Labour Market Tracker, the economy showed some signs of momentum that could push back against rising costs – like the increase in employers’ national insurance payments.
The UK saw 749,311 new job posts in March 2025, and there were 1,583,465 active job postings. This is an increase of 2,3% over the February 2025 number.
The REC expects that the rise in NI, along with the National Minimum Wage increase, will test stabilisation of the job market.
There are signs of economic momentum with the more positive growth figures for February last week, which showed growth in all of the major sectors. This may help to counteract the effects of rising prices. Before the US suddenly triggers global trade tariff negotiations in April 2025.
REC Chief Executive Neil Carberry stated that it is difficult to hire people because the cost to do so has increased. “But businesses are resilient and continue to create new opportunities.”
Employers are beginning to see glimmers in the 1.6 million job ads that remain active. The UK is well-positioned to withstand some external shocks caused by changing global trade policies. February’s growth statistics offered cautious optimism.
Carberry said that employer confidence was still fragile, and that ministers should do more to boost growth by implementing their upcoming industrial strategy and listening to the concerns of business about how the Employment Rights Bill would work.
The labour market tracker revealed a significant increase in job openings for farmers this month (39.8%), couriers and delivery drivers (39.6%), and railway construction and maintenance workers (29.1%).
Nine of the 10 counties with the largest increase in job postings were in Scotland or Wales.
The REC/Lightcast Report today shows 25,896 ads for secondary education teachers in March 2025 – up 5.8% from February 2025 – and 17,653 for primary education teachers – up 9.6% from February 2025.
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