Market update
As we head through Q4 2025, the UK HR recruitment market is still a bit up and down. Things aren’t quite back to normal yet, but we’re still seeing a steady stream of work come through. Employers are continuing to tread carefully with their budgets and permanent hiring decisions, but there’s definitely more activity than earlier in the year.
Permanent recruitment is still fairly cautious, especially for senior roles but the drops aren’t as steep now, and a few regions are even showing signs of levelling out. There’s also a noticeable rise in fixed-term contracts transitioning to permanent roles, showing that businesses are planning ahead more cautiously.
On the interim side, demand is staying strong. Companies are still leaning heavily on HR professionals who can help them manage restructures, tricky ER issues and wider transformation work. The focus is very much on people who can jump in quickly, steady the ship and handle sensitive situations without much handholding.
So while the market is still a bit turbulent, the consistent flow of interim work and the increase in early hiring conversations are both positive signs. It’s not a dramatic bounce back, but it does feel like things are slowly moving in the right direction.
What’s been happening at Hunter Adams during Q4
With offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Manchester and London, Hunter Adams provides HR services across the UK.
The team has been busy with lots of in-person catch-ups and attending networking events during the final months of 2025, including:
Hosting DisruptHR, which returned to Edinburgh for our second gathering in the capital, marking our fifth event across Scotland. If you’d like to stay in the loop about future dates or keep an eye out for speaker call outs, make sure to follow us on Linkedin.
Meanwhile, Jude was kept on her toes at the two day CIPD Conference in Manchester, where Hunter Adams exhibited for the first time. It was a great couple of days reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting lots of new ones.
To round off the quarter, the Hunter Adams Team celebrated with festive lunches at Six by Nico, indulging in ‘The Nutcracker’ menu. Two locations with great food, good company and plenty of Christmas cheer.
Looking ahead
Here’s how we expect HR recruitment trends to evolve in 2026.
The rise of AI and automation
AI and automation continue to reshape the hiring landscape. After a challenging 2025, marked by high application volumes, slower processes and inconsistent candidate communication, many organisations are exploring technology to improve efficiency. At the Manchester CIPD Conference in November, AI dominated discussions. While some employers remain cautious, it’s clear that when used thoughtfully, AI has the potential to streamline recruitment workflows and significantly enhance the candidate experience.
Growing demand for HR professionals with digital and data capability
HR is becoming increasingly strategic. Organisations are now prioritising HR talent with strong HRIS skills, data literacy, and the ability to use analytics to inform decision-making. Professionals who can integrate technology into people strategy will be particularly sought after in 2026.
Shift toward interim and fractional HR support
With ongoing economic uncertainty and continued cost pressure, businesses are opting for flexible HR resourcing models. We’ve already seen a rise in interim and contract HR roles in Q4 2025, and this trend is likely to carry through 2026 as organisations remain cautious about permanent headcount.
Emphasis on skills development and internal mobility
Skills-based hiring continues to influence people strategy. Rather than recruiting externally, many HR teams will focus on reskilling, upskilling and redeploying internal talent—particularly where budgets are tight. This approach supports retention, reduces recruitment costs and strengthens organisational capability.
Cautious hiring—but increased demand for specialist HR skills
While most sectors are expected to enter 2026 with restrained hiring plans, demand will remain strong for HR professionals with digital, analytical or strategic expertise. As seen throughout 2025, ER specialists and change-management professionals will continue to be particularly sought after as businesses navigate ongoing transformation.
If you’re an HR professional considering a move in 2026 or would like to have a chat about what’s happening in the market, our team is here to talk.
Please see below for the best POC to support you with your search, and feel free to connect with them via the links below:
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
Or you can follow Hunter Adams and keep an eye our weekly round up of new vacancies, which we post every Friday:
We hope you have a lovely time over the festivities and look forward to reconnecting in 2026.
