The past four years have been marked by turbulence and unpredictability, but there's finally a shift in the air. The disruptions caused by COVID-19, political changes, and economic volatility created a climate of hesitation where businesses were reluctant to invest in expanding their workforce after the recruitment surge in 2021. Following that, the cost-of-living crisis and soaring inflation only deepened the sense of uncertainty.

But now, things are changing. At Ellwood Atfield, we're hearing more optimism from clients, with concrete plans for team expansion—especially following the recent election, which has brought in a Labour government for the first time in 14 years. Despite the ongoing concerns around the economy, there’s a clear sense of growth on the horizon, which is being backed up by recruitment trends over the summer. The latest Lloyds Banking UK Sector Tracker offers firm evidence of this, and for the first time since April 2023, 10 out of 14 sectors reported month-on-month increases in headcount.

This rise in employment reflects growing confidence among UK employers. After months of us at Ellwood Atfield hearing of plans for growth after the election, we’re finally seeing solid evidence that backs up this optimism. Now we are heading into the end of the year, we're confident that the tide is turning!

What does this mean if you’re looking to hire? With a more competitive job market, you’ll need to ensure that your roles stand out—not just with salary, but by offering benefits like genuine flexible working, development opportunities, and a strong team culture. The market is likely to become more candidate-driven and top talent will likely have multiple offers on the table, so it’s critical to be ahead of the curve and outshine your competitors.

If you are looking to hire into your team, or if you yourself are looking for a new opportunity please contact the Ellwood Atfield team!