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The UK Job Market in 2026: A Landscape of Cautious Optimism
As we move through the first quarter of 2026, the UK employment landscape has settled into a state of "cautious stability." Unlike the rapid volatility of previous years, today’s market is defined by a selective, skills-led approach to hiring. While overall vacancy volumes have softened, the demand for specialized talent remains at an all-time high.
Regional Outlook: Beyond the Capital
London remains the UK’s primary economic engine, but the most significant employment growth in 2026 is happening in regional hubs. Cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds have become "Tech-Satellite" cities, offering competitive salaries with a lower cost of living. In the South East, Reading remains a powerhouse for professional services, while Glasgow is seeing a resurgence in green energy and logistics-led employment.
Key Trends Shaping Your Search
The "Great Reshuffle" has evolved into a "Great Refinement." Employers are no longer just looking for cultural fit; they are hiring for specific technical competencies.
- The Rise of the Hybrid Norm: In 2026, hybrid working is a baseline expectation. Firms in cities like Bristol and Edinburgh are leading the way in "Structured Flexibility."
- Sector Bright Spots: While the tech sector has seen consolidation, roles in Cybersecurity and AI Engineering continue to command premiums. Healthcare faces a structural shortage, ensuring long-term stability for those searching in Liverpool or Sheffield.
Recent jobs
Machining 4
Collins Aerospace,
Leighton Buzzard
8 hours ago
Date Posted: 2026-09-09 Country: United Kingdom Location: Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire Position Role Type: Onsite Job Opportunity: Machining 4 Location: Leighton Buzzard – on site Company: Collins Aerospace Hours: Late Shift - 39 hours per week, 1500-0000 Mon-Thurs, 1200-1700 Fri Are You Ready to Shape the Future of Aircraft Interior Components? At Collins Aerospace, our Interiors team is focused on innovation,...
Proposal Engineer
GRUNDFOS,
Leighton Buzzard
8 hours ago
Are you passionate about crafting winning technical proposals that bring innovative water solutions to customers worldwide? Then join us in our mission to pioneer smarter solutions for moving and transforming water, reducing energy consumption, and enhancing quality of life for people. As our new Proposal Engineer , you will be developing tailored technical and commercial proposals that connect Grundfos pump...
Senior / Principal Town Planner
Mott MacDonald,
Altrincham
9 hours ago
Location/s: Manchester, Leeds, Altrincham, Liverpool; UK Recruiter contact: Steven Johnston Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with over 20,000 employees across more than 50 countries and 140+ offices. We work across incredible global industries, delivering exciting work that is defining our future and making an important societal impact in the communities we serve. Our people power...
Class 1 Driver PM Hatfield
XPO Logistics,
Hatfield
9 hours ago
Logistics done differently. Are you an HGV driver fed up with not knowing when you’re working next? Do you want the security of a full time, permanent role? Then look no further! Here at XPO we want to support you. We are currently looking for experienced HGV Class 1 Drivers to work Night shifts at our Hatfield depot. We can...
Security Officer
Mitie Cleaning & Hygiene Services,
Newark on Trent
9 hours ago
Better places, thriving communities. Security Officer – National Grid Training Centre, Newark Location: Newark Pay Rate: £13.67 per hour Hours: 42 hours per week Shift Pattern: 4 on, 4 off (12-hour Days & Nights) Join a Team That Makes a Difference Are you a professional Security Officer looking for your next challenge? We're seeking reliable, customer-focused individuals to join our...
Retail Security Officer
Mitie Cleaning & Hygiene Services,
Salisbury
9 hours ago
Better places, thriving communities. £13.23 per hour + Paid Lunch Break Looking for a role where you're valued, supported and paid for every minute you're on shift – even your breaks? At Mitie, we recognise the importance of your time, which is why your lunch break is fully paid , meaning you earn more while taking the time you need...
Multi-Skilled Joiner
The Guinness Partnership,
Havant
9 hours ago
About Us JOB DESCRIPTION Guinness Property provides repairs and maintenance services to The Guinness Partnership. Our national teams deliver rapid-response housing repairs, maintenance, and improvement services to ensure that our residents' homes are safe and maintained to a high standard. About The Role We are looking for a multi Skilled Joiner to join our Empty Homes team, covering the South...
Quantity Surveyor
OnSite Central Limited,
Tipton
9 hours ago
Job Title: Quantity Surveyor Location: Tipton, West Midlands Salary: To £50,000 depending on experience An exciting new opportunity for a Quantity Surveyor to join our team running our biggest water projects. You’ll work closely with operational managers and subcontractors across several projects, providing commercial support on site and preparing for client/contractor meetings. You'll ensure all systems are adhered to and...
Front of House Co-ordinator
Booker,
Ayr
9 hours ago
About the role You will support the Customer Service Supervisor to ensure that our customers needs are exceeded at all times. You could find yourself dealing with customers on reception, settling invoices in our pay points, providing fast efficient service on our checkouts or may be working with other members of the store team in other departments. No two days...
junior front of house manager
wagamama,
Bridgend
9 hours ago
junior front of house manager | full time at wagamama, food is life. we care deeply about fresh ingredients, great service, and the kind of growing leadership that lifts everyone up. as a junior front of house manager, you’ll be right there in the action, keeping service smooth, stepping up when it gets busy, and backing your team so every...
Care Coordinator
CCH Group,
City of Westminster
9 hours ago
Company Description Care Coordinator Do you have a passion for delivering exceptional care? Join CCH Group, the UK’s largest and most trusted care provider, as a Care Coordinator and play a key role in shaping the future of home care in your community. At CCH Group, we deliver 1.5 million hours of care monthly across 260+ locations. Join us as...
Shift Supervisor
Cobra Coffee,
Plymouth
9 hours ago
Take your place at the heart of our community, where your voice matters and your passion for customer service is brewed into everything we do. We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as a shift supervisor, you’ll take the lead of the shift, working with your team of baristas to create the Starbucks Experience for our...
Client Relationship Executive
Metro Rod,
Macclesfield
£27,500
per year
1 day ago
Metro Rod LTD Full time permanent 37.5 hours per week Up to £27,500 DOE + quarterly based bonus & benefits Metro Rod work with the likes of Equans, Amey, Aldi, Mitie, Greggs, McDonalds, Wetherspoons and many more in the FM, Social Housing, Property Management, Retail, Industrial and Leisure sectors. Despite having been around for over 40 years, we are a...
Laser Process Engineer
Seagate Technology,
Londonderry County Borough
1 day ago
About Our Group Seagate is a global leader in data storage solutions. We strive to create precision-engineered data storage technologies that deliver superior capacity, speed, safety, and performance. Seagate is where the future is read and written, with continuous innovation proving that a hard drive is not “just” a hard drive. Find out how we are shaping a new era...
Kitchen Team Member
Stonegate Group,
Darlington
1 day ago
Location- Beckfields Kitchen Team Member About Us Stonegate Group is the UK’s largest operator of pubs, bars, and late-night venues, including Slug & Lettuce, Be At One, and Popworld, to name a few. We’re proud of our diverse portfolio and deeply committed to creating an inclusive culture that embraces individuality in all its forms—including neurodiversity. By fostering an environment where...
Delivery & Installation Driver 3.5T
The Sofa Delivery Company (part of the DFS Group),
Enfield Town
1 day ago
Your new role About The Sofa Delivery Company At The Sofa Delivery Company, we know that a sofa is one of the most meaningful things someone can buy. That’s why we’re on a mission to be the best two-person delivery company around, delivering great experiences to our customers that count. As part of the DFS group, we deliver for our...
Retention Agent
Clover,
Basildon
1 day ago
Calling all innovators – find your future at Fiserv. We’re Fiserv, a global leader in Fintech and payments, and we move money and information in a way that moves the world. We connect financial institutions, corporations, merchants, and consumers to one another millions of times a day – quickly, reliably, and securely. Any time you swipe your credit card, pay...
General Manager
Boundary Outlet,
Walsall
1 day ago
Job Title: General Manager Location: Boundary Outlet, Walsall Hours: 40 hours a week working 5 days out of 7 About us: Boundary Outlet is a leading multi-department retail destination, offering premium brands at outlet prices across fashion, home, and catering. Our success is built on strong leadership, commercial focus, and great teams delivering a consistently high-quality customer experience. Role Overview:...
Kitchen Team Member
Stonegate Group,
Bexley
1 day ago
Location- Danson Stables Kitchen Team Member About Us Stonegate Group is the UK’s largest operator of pubs, bars, and late-night venues, including Slug & Lettuce, Be At One, and Popworld, to name a few. We’re proud of our diverse portfolio and deeply committed to creating an inclusive culture that embraces individuality in all its forms—including neurodiversity. By fostering an environment...
Joint Venture Strategy Manager (IT) / Contractor
Free-Work UK,
City of Westminster
1 day ago
Role: SMO - Project Manager Locations: London, Belfast, Budapest - I would suggest 3 days onsite 2 form home. UK IR35: Inside Rate: £500-£500 per day Until 30/06/2027 Essential Experience leading divestment, carve-out or joint venture programmes Experience supporting major organisational change programmes across functions such as sales, portfolio, operations, finance, HR and legal. Experience operating in confidential or restricted...
