UK permanent job placements rise to 50.5 in August, first growth since 2022
A monthly recruitment survey by the REC and KPMG recorded an index rise to 50.5 in August, marking the first increase in permanent staff hiring across Britain since September 2022.
Permanent recruitment index returns to growth
Britain's recruitment sector recorded an increase in permanent staff appointments during August 2026, ending a four-year downturn in full-time hiring. The monthly gauge of permanent job placements compiled by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and KPMG rose to 50.5, moving past the neutral 50.0 benchmark recorded in July. The result represents the first net growth recorded by the index since September 2022.
- July 2026
- 50 index
- August 2026
- 50.5 index
Central bank scrutiny and recruitment trends
The survey results, published on Monday, 7 September 2026, reflect the first expansion in permanent staff hiring across the British economy in nearly four years. The index tracked by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation serves as an indicator of labour market conditions monitored by Bank of England policymakers. The shift above the 50.0 threshold indicates expanding placement volumes after years of subdued recruitment activity across the country.
- Permanent placements index records its last monthly expansion before a four-year downturn
- REC and KPMG placements gauge reaches the neutral threshold of 50.0
- Permanent job placements index rises to 50.5, returning to expansion
- REC and KPMG publish the August recruitment survey findings
Regional forecasts and economic projections
Separate economic forecasts from the ITEM Club indicate that the economic growth spurt in Greater Manchester is projected to continue in the coming years. The ITEM Club calculated its regional projections using the UK Treasury economic model. The area's economic expansion had previously been praised by Prime Minister Andy Burnham as a model for Britain's sluggish economy.
