--- title: "UK Job Vacancies Fall to Lowest Level Since the Pandemic" canonical: "https://www.metaintro.com/blog/uk-job-vacancies-lowest-since-pandemic-2026" language: "en" author: "natandahan" published: "2026-02-24T11:30:00.000Z" modified: "2026-02-27T22:08:43.445Z" --- [Back to Blog](/blog) [News](/blog/tag/news)[Information](/blog/tag/information) # UK Job Vacancies Fall to Lowest Level Since the Pandemic: What Job Seekers Should Know UK job vacancies dropped below 700,000 for the first time since 2021. Learn which sectors are hit hardest and how job seekers can adapt in 2026. [![Natan Dahan](https://cdn.metaintro.com/rs:fill:40:40/q:72/plain/images/cfc01f15-c946-4477-b64b-8ac858048f32_1766029465094.png)Natan Dahan @dahan_natan](/blog/author/natandahan) [February 24, 2026](/blog/archive/2026/02)Updated February 27, 202611 min read ![UK Job Vacancies Fall to Lowest Level Since the Pandemic: What Job Seekers Should Know](https://cdn.metaintro.com/rs:fill:1200:675/q:78/plain/images/uk-job-vacancies-lowest-since-pandemic-2026.png) [https://x.com/intent/tweet?text=UK%20Job%20Vacancies%20Fall%20to%20Lowest%20Level%20Since%20the%20Pandemic%3A%20What%20Job%20Seekers%20Should%20Know&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fuk-job-vacancies-lowest-since-pandemic-2026](https://x.com/intent/tweet?text=UK%20Job%20Vacancies%20Fall%20to%20Lowest%20Level%20Since%20the%20Pandemic%3A%20What%20Job%20Seekers%20Should%20Know&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fuk-job-vacancies-lowest-since-pandemic-2026)[http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fuk-job-vacancies-lowest-since-pandemic-2026](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fuk-job-vacancies-lowest-since-pandemic-2026)[https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fuk-job-vacancies-lowest-since-pandemic-2026&title=UK%20Job%20Vacancies%20Fall%20to%20Lowest%20Level%20Since%20the%20Pandemic%3A%20What%20Job%20Seekers%20Should%20Know](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fuk-job-vacancies-lowest-since-pandemic-2026&title=UK%20Job%20Vacancies%20Fall%20to%20Lowest%20Level%20Since%20the%20Pandemic%3A%20What%20Job%20Seekers%20Should%20Know)[mailto:?subject=UK%20Job%20Vacancies%20Fall%20to%20Lowest%20Level%20Since%20the%20Pandemic%3A%20What%20Job%20Seekers%20Should%20Know&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fuk-job-vacancies-lowest-since-pandemic-2026](mailto:?subject=UK%20Job%20Vacancies%20Fall%20to%20Lowest%20Level%20Since%20the%20Pandemic%3A%20What%20Job%20Seekers%20Should%20Know&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fuk-job-vacancies-lowest-since-pandemic-2026) The UK job market just hit a sobering milestone. Advertised job vacancies fell below 700,000 in January 2026 for the first time since the height of the pandemic in early 2021, according to data from job search platform [Adzuna](https://www.adzuna.co.uk/). The drop to 695,000 open roles marks a 16% decline from the same month last year and a nearly 20% slide over just six months. For job seekers across the United Kingdom, this shift signals a market that has moved decisively from the post-pandemic hiring frenzy to a more cautious, competitive landscape. Here at [Metaintro](https://www.metaintro.com), we are tracking these shifts in real time so you can navigate the changing labor market with clarity. Here is what the latest data means and what you can do about it. ## How Bad Is the UK Vacancy Decline? The numbers paint a clear picture of a labor market under pressure. According to Adzuna's latest analysis, the number of advertised roles in the UK fell by 3% in January alone to 695,000, breaching the 700,000 threshold for the first time since January 2021, when the country was still dealing with COVID-19 lockdowns. Compared with six months ago, the total number of vacancies has dropped by nearly 20%. Official data from the [Office for National Statistics (ONS)](https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/bulletins/jobsandvacanciesintheuk/february2026) tells a similar story. Total estimated vacancies in the November 2025 to January 2026 quarter stood at 726,000, down 73,000 or 9.2% from the same period a year earlier. Notably, the ONS reports that vacancies are now 69,000 (8.7%) below their pre-pandemic level from January to March 2020, meaning the job market has not just returned to where it was before COVID-19 but has actually fallen below that baseline. The decline is broad-based. The ONS found that vacancies decreased in 14 of the 18 industry sectors it tracks. The competition for available roles has intensified as well: Adzuna's data shows there are now 2.4 jobseekers for every vacancy, up from 2.27 in December. The last time the ratio of unemployed people to vacancies was this high, excluding the pandemic years, was back in early 2015. Meanwhile, the UK unemployment rate has climbed to 4.4%, its highest level since 2021, and youth unemployment has surged to 14%, its highest since early 2015, according to [House of Commons Library analysis](https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9366/). ## Which Sectors and Regions Are Hit Hardest? Not all industries are feeling the squeeze equally. The [ONS February 2026 bulletin](https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/bulletins/jobsandvacanciesintheuk/february2026) highlights construction as the worst-affected sector, with vacancies plunging 32.4% year over year. Mining and quarrying followed with a 26.7% drop. These are sectors heavily exposed to rising material costs, delayed infrastructure projects, and the broader economic slowdown that has gripped the UK since late 2025. Retail and hospitality have also been hit hard. The wholesale and retail trade sector shed 94,000 workforce jobs between September 2024 and September 2025, a 2.0% decline. Hospitality and retail combined have lost approximately 122,000 payroll positions over the past 12 months, according to [People Management's analysis of the 2026 labor market](https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1943835/2026-labour-market-trends-hiring-slowdown-ai-disruption). These sectors employ large numbers of lower-wage workers and have been disproportionately affected by the government's increases to employer National Insurance contributions and the minimum wage. Entry-level and graduate positions have been especially devastated. [Bloomberg reported](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-23/uk-graduate-jobs-drop-below-10-000-for-first-time-adzuna-says) that graduate job listings fell below 10,000 for the first time since Adzuna began tracking the data in 2016, representing a staggering 45% annual decline. Entry-level vacancies overall are down 4.4% year over year, signaling that young professionals entering the workforce face one of the toughest hiring environments in recent memory. Regionally, London recorded the sharpest monthly decline, with advertised roles in the capital dropping by nearly 6% in January, according to [CityAM's analysis](https://www.cityam.com/job-vacancies-lowest-since-2021-london-worst-affected/). This is a significant shift for a city that has historically been the engine of UK job creation. The decline in London suggests that even the financial and professional services sectors, which powered much of the capital's employment growth, are pulling back on hiring. ## What Is Driving the Hiring Slowdown? Several forces are converging to suppress employer demand for new workers. The most significant is the rise in employment costs following the UK government's Autumn Budget. Employer National Insurance contributions jumped from 13.8% to 15% starting in April 2025, while the secondary threshold, the point at which employers start paying NI on an employee's earnings, dropped from 9,100 pounds to 5,000 pounds. For businesses hiring lower-wage staff, the additional cost per employee can reach approximately 1,595 pounds annually, according to [payroll analysis by PayFit](https://payfit.com/blog/national-insurance-increase/). On top of the NI increase, the national minimum wage rose again, and another increase is scheduled for April 2026. For sectors like retail, hospitality, and care that rely heavily on minimum-wage workers, the compounding effect of higher wages and higher payroll taxes has made every new hire significantly more expensive. Many businesses are responding by freezing recruitment, reducing hours, or turning to automation rather than adding headcount. Broader economic uncertainty is also playing a role. The UK economy has shown sluggish growth, and global trade tensions have added to the cautious mood. Employers are not necessarily pessimistic about the future, but they are clearly in wait-and-see mode. According to [Indeed's 2026 UK Jobs and Hiring Trends Report](https://www.hiringlab.org/uk/blog/2025/12/09/indeed-2026-uk-jobs-hiring-trends-report/), hiring caution persists across most sectors, though the report notes that "bright spots" still exist in specific industries and skill areas. Many companies are choosing to run leaner teams and invest in productivity improvements rather than expanding their workforce. ## Where Are the Jobs Still Growing? Despite the overall downturn, not every corner of the UK labor market is shrinking. Healthcare remains one of the most resilient sectors, with consistent demand for nurses, care workers, and allied health professionals driven by an aging population and chronic NHS staffing shortages. Skilled trades, including electricians, plumbers, and maintenance technicians, also continue to see strong demand as infrastructure projects and housing maintenance create steady work. Technology hiring, while more selective than during the post-pandemic boom, continues to show pockets of strong demand. According to [Robert Half's 2026 hiring trends analysis](https://www.roberthalf.com/gb/en/insights/research/hiring-trends-what-should-you-expect-for-the-year-ahead), 39% of UK businesses plan to expand their IT teams in 2026, with particularly strong demand for cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and DevOps specialists. The key shift is that tech employers are no longer hiring broadly. Instead, they are targeting specific high-value skills, meaning job seekers with specialized expertise are in a much stronger position than generalists. Interestingly, [ManpowerGroup's employment outlook survey](https://www.manpowergroup.co.uk/press-release-meos-q126/) showed construction and real estate hiring intentions actually rebounding by 24% quarter over quarter heading into early 2026, despite the vacancy data showing sharp declines in the sector. This apparent contradiction suggests that while current openings are down, some employers are planning to ramp up recruitment later in the year, particularly for major infrastructure and housing projects. For workers in construction trades, the second half of 2026 could bring better opportunities than the first. Wage growth, while gradually easing from its 2024 and 2025 peaks, remains positive. Workers who do land new roles are still seeing competitive salary offers, particularly in high-demand fields. However, salary transparency has dipped in recent months, with fewer employers listing pay ranges in job advertisements. This means job seekers need to do more research upfront to understand what fair compensation looks like in their field. ## What Should UK Job Seekers Do Right Now? A tighter job market does not mean opportunity has vanished. It means the approach needs to change. Here are practical strategies for navigating the current environment. First, target the sectors that are still hiring. Healthcare, technology, skilled trades, and professional services continue to post openings even as the broader market contracts. If your background does not directly align with these fields, consider whether your transferable skills, such as project management, data analysis, or client relationship management, could open doors in adjacent roles. Second, invest in high-demand skills. With 39% of UK businesses planning to expand IT teams, skills in cybersecurity, cloud computing, AI, and data science are particularly valuable. Many of these skills can be acquired through online certifications and bootcamps in a matter of months, not years. The government's apprenticeship programs, which received 145 million dollars in new Department of Labor funding in the US and have seen parallel investment in the UK, offer another pathway into growing fields for those willing to retrain. Third, broaden your geographic search. While London saw the steepest decline in vacancies, other regions may offer better prospects depending on the industry. Cities with growing tech hubs like Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh, and Birmingham have been attracting investment and talent. Remote and hybrid work opportunities, though becoming slightly more restrictive in terms of in-office requirements, still offer access to roles outside your immediate area. According to [Totaljobs' hiring trends analysis](https://www.totaljobs.com/recruiter-advice/hiring-people/hiring-trends-update/), 72% of candidates would consider leaving a job that does not support flexible working, making it clear that employers offering remote options will continue to have an edge in attracting talent. Fourth, sharpen your application materials. With 2.4 jobseekers now competing for every vacancy, generic applications will not cut it. Tailor your CV and cover letter to each role, lead with quantifiable achievements, and make sure your LinkedIn profile reflects the skills employers are actively searching for. In a market where hiring managers are being more selective, standing out in the first 30 seconds of a review matters more than ever. Fifth, do not overlook networking and direct outreach. In a slower hiring market, many roles are filled through referrals and internal recommendations before they ever appear on job boards. Reach out to former colleagues, attend industry events, and engage with companies you are interested in on professional networks. Many employers who are cautious about posting public vacancies are still open to conversations with strong candidates who approach them directly. Finally, stay patient but proactive. Labor markets are cyclical. The current slowdown follows an extraordinary period of post-pandemic hiring that saw vacancies soar to record highs in 2022. The correction was inevitable, but it does not signal a permanent contraction. Several indicators, including construction hiring intentions and continued tech investment, suggest that the second half of 2026 could bring improvement. Position yourself now so you are ready when demand picks up. ## People Also Asked **Q:** How many job vacancies are there in the UK in 2026? **A:** As of January 2026, there are approximately 695,000 advertised job vacancies in the UK according to Adzuna, while the ONS estimates 726,000 vacancies for the November 2025 to January 2026 quarter. Both figures represent the lowest levels since the pandemic, with vacancies now sitting below the pre-COVID baseline from early 2020. **Q:** Which UK industries are still hiring in 2026? **A:** Healthcare, technology, and skilled trades remain the strongest hiring sectors in the UK. Around 39% of businesses plan to expand IT teams, with high demand for cybersecurity, cloud computing, and AI specialists. Healthcare continues to recruit heavily due to NHS staffing shortages, and skilled tradespeople like electricians and plumbers are in steady demand for infrastructure and housing projects. **Q:** Why are UK job vacancies falling in 2026? **A:** The decline is driven by a combination of rising employer costs and economic uncertainty. The government increased employer National Insurance contributions from 13.8% to 15% and lowered the threshold at which businesses start paying, adding roughly 1,595 pounds per year in costs for each lower-wage employee. Combined with minimum wage increases and sluggish economic growth, many employers have chosen to freeze hiring or reduce headcount rather than absorb the higher costs. --- Stay ahead of the market with real-time labor data and job opportunities. [Metaintro](https://www.metaintro.com) delivers the insights you need to navigate a shifting employment landscape, whether you are actively searching or planning your next career move. 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