New research from Reed suggests that the combined impact of artificial intelligence and rising National Insurance costs is contributing to a slowdown in the UK jobs market. The survey claims that 15 percent of employers said the adoption of AI had led them to reduce hiring, while 22 percent cited higher National Insurance contributions as a reason for cutting back. In total, around a fifth of organisations reported putting a freeze on recruitment. The findings coincide with official data from the ONS, which confirms continued weakness in the labour market. According to Reed’s own figures, job postings on its platform were down 18 percent year on year in August, while applications fell by 25 percent despite a modest rise in advertised salaries of 1.4 percent. (more…)

The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, is organising its fifth annual HR conference, Routes to a Stronger Workforce 2025. Sponsored by Blum UK, the event is taking place on Thursday 10 July 2025 (10:00am – 3:00pm) at Furniture Makers’ Hall, London, and is tailored for HR professionals working in the furniture and furnishing industry. The conference will be chaired by Emma Welch, group HR director at Ocee International, and will feature expert-led sessions on topics such as debt management, mental health, and apprenticeship recruitment. (more…)

Many UK employers are continuing to struggle to fill vacancies, with new research revealing a sharp disconnect between candidate expectations and employer requirements. A recent poll by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) claims to shed light on why so many applications are being rejected despite a strong demand for workers across key industries. According to the CMI, a significant number of organisations are turning away applicants who they believe lack the necessary ‘attitude’ or ‘work ethic’. The poll, which surveyed over 1,000 managers, found that around four in five employers had rejected candidates on the basis of soft skills, rather than qualifications or experience. This emphasis on attitude over aptitude reflects a broader trend in recruitment, where cultural fit and interpersonal qualities are increasingly valued – and, often, missing from the applicant pool. (more…)

A survey of more than 2,000 employers conducted by the CIPD reveals that nearly four in five anticipate increased employment costs as a result of the Employment Rights Bill’s proposed measures, and nearly a third are planning on reducing headcount as a result. The measures include reforms to Statutory Sick Pay, changes to unfair dismissal rules, and the introduction of guaranteed hours for zero-hours contract workers. Among those expecting costs to rise, 30 percent foresee reducing their workforce through redundancies or cutting back on recruitment, while 23 percent plan to introduce or expand automation to offset expenses. Other strategies being considered include reducing training budgets (22 percent), cutting staff working hours (17 percent), or increasing reliance on temporary workers (17 percent). (more…)