APSCo UK Recruitment Index 2025

Trends and takeaways for a shifting recruitment landscape

Developed in collaboration with APSCo UK and Saffery, this year’s Recruitment Index presents an overview of the UK’s professional recruitment market, based on survey responses from a broad spectrum of professional recruitment firms.

Market overview

Valued at £43 billion, the UK recruitment sector continues to face persistent challenges including a shortage of qualified candidates, declining permanent placements, and margin pressures. Despite this, growth opportunities are emerging in sectors like AI engineering, cyber security and renewable energy, where demand for specialist skills is rising.

Amid cautious optimism, it appears that recruitment businesses are balancing short-term pressures with long-term strategic investment, positioning themselves to adapt and grow in a rapidly evolving environment.

Executive summary highlights

• Talent and people strategy
  • Talent strategy: Respondents reported difficulties with attracting and retaining talent, especially at junior levels.
• Sustainability, ESG, and values
  • ESG priorities: Brand reputation and client expectations are key drivers of sustainability efforts.
• Overseas expansion plans
  • Nearly half of respondents indicated they have no plans to expand overseas over the next few years.
  • Of those considering international expansion, 37% target the US, with 5% identifying the UAE as a potential growth market.

• Strategic outlook and business sentiment
  • 43% of firms are pessimistic about the UK recruitment sector’s future.
  • Global sentiment is more optimistic, with 52% neutral and 29% positive.
  • Succession planning is on the rise, with 33% of leaders considering a business sale.

Download the report

If you’d like to discuss any of our findings or how we can support your recruitment business, please get in touch with Jamie Cassell and Rick Dunkley.

Please note, this version of the UK Recruitment Index omits financial performance indicators, as this data is only available to survey respondents.