Signal UK vacancies fell to 781,000 in early 2025

Summary

According to the report, estimated UK vacancies fell by 26,000 on the quarter to 781,000 in January to March 2025. It was the first time since March to May 2021 that vacancies had dropped below pre-pandemic levels. Around the same time, unemployment for those aged 16 and over stood at 4.4%, above its pre-pandemic level, and 6% of UK businesses reported recruitment difficulties in March 2025. The report sets these indicators in the context of the chronic risk of skills shortages and mismatches. It judges that such shortages and mismatches reduce productivity and hold back growth. Essential public services such as adult social care continue to report large staff shortages.