HR Employment Market Review for Q2 2025: Trends & Insights

As we conclude the second quarter of 2025, it’s fair to say the HR recruitment market is still facing its share of challenges. Across the UK, many businesses are still working through economic uncertainty and constant organisational change, which we know has made the job market especially challenging for a lot of people.

That said, we’re seeing resilience across the market and new opportunities starting to take shape, as we move into the second half of the year.

In the interim market, while things can still feel a little unpredictable, we’re seeing consistent demand for project based and fractional HR support. Businesses are leaning on experienced interim professionals to help them through periods of change, whether that’s managing redundancies, leading employee relations programmes, or delivering organisation wide transformation. Businesses are increasingly relying on interim HR professionals to step in and make an immediate impact.

Many employers are holding steady on employee headcount, with fewer strategic hires being made, which has meant that permanent hiring, especially at the senior level, has continued to be more cautious. However, we are seeing some signs that the slowdown is easing. According to the latest KPMG and REC UK Report on Jobs (May 2025), the rate of decline in permanent placements is starting to slow – which hopefully signals more stability on the horizon.

So yes, it’s been a difficult few months for many in our network. But there are reasons to be hopeful. At Hunter Adams, we’re continuing to work closely with both clients and candidates to navigate this evolving market. Whether you’re actively looking, open to new opportunities, or just keeping an eye on the landscape, we’re here to support you.

Please do get in touch if you’d like a chat about the market, where your skills fit, or what might be next for you.

The Team

The Hunter Adams Recruitment Team can support you with both Permanent, FTC, Interim and Consultancy opportunities.

Please see below for the best POC to support you with your search:

Candice Thompson – Head of Recruitment – Permanent and FTC – North Scotland, England (Senior Hires), Wales & NI
Eilidh Robertson – Head of Executive Search – Permanent and Interim (London / Senior Hires)
Laura Brownhill – Recruitment Manager – Interim (UK)
Jude Fletcher – Senior Recruitment Advisor – Permanent and FTC – Central Belt Scotland, England, Wales & NI

With offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Manchester and London, Hunter Adams provides HR consultancy services across the UK – supporting clients from Sutherland to Kent, Exeter to Caithness…and everywhere in between!

The below map highlights just some of the locations where we’ve supported our clients in recent months, with each role involving a unique blend of skills and sector experience.