UK firms pause permanent hiring amid Iran war impact
British firms reduced permanent hiring in May at the fastest rate since July 2025. Employers turned to temporary staff as the Iran war increased uncertainty.
United Kingdom permanent job placements fell to 44.1 in May, the fastest pace of contraction since July 2024. Hiring has now declined for 44 consecutive months, the longest streak since records began in 1997. Rising geopolitical costs and economic uncertainty are forcing employers to prioritize temporary flexibility over long-term headcount growth.
