<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="false"><li>The number of job hunters in the UK rose at the fastest rate since the Covid pandemic peak, possibly due to concerns over tax rises and economic uncertainties.</li><li>Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and KPMG reported a sharp increase in new candidates seeking work along with a drop in permanent placements, weaker pay growth, and reports of redundancies.</li><li>Concerns over tax rises have impacted hiring, with ministers warning of financial consequences and company bosses stressing the pressure on businesses, especially in the face of global uncertainties.</li><li>Job demand was reduced in the retail sector while construction and engineering saw increased vacancies. Pay growth was affected by more available candidates, tighter budgets, and lower hiring demand.</li></ul>

Number of UK job hunters rises at fastest rate since Covid pandemic

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