Goodbye 2024, hello 2025! ??

2024 is done - can you believe it! Now winter has fully planted it's feet, there’s no slowing down in the recruitment world. Q4 has brought us everything from economic twists to major industry updates, keeping us all on our toes as we plan for 2025. From headlines like the UK narrowly avoiding a recession to continued discussions around the evolving workforce, it’s clear that change is the only constant. On a brighter note, December is bringing the festive spirit, with businesses reflecting on their successes and setting ambitious goals for the year ahead.

Here at ACS Staffing Solutions, we’re committed to guiding you through these changes, ensuring your business is equipped to thrive in a dynamic recruitment landscape.

Keeping you up to date:

While opportunities abound, recruitment challenges persist. The demand for workers remains high, but the shortage of skilled candidates in key industries is shaping hiring strategies for businesses across the UK.

Here are some statistics we think you should be aware of:

• In the three months to November, the unemployment rate rose to 4.4%, with youth unemployment showing the largest increase.
• Job vacancies dropped by 7% compared to the previous quarter, reflecting cautious hiring approaches by employers amid economic uncertainty.
• Average weekly earnings (excluding bonuses) grew by 5.7%, keeping pressure on businesses to offer competitive salaries to attract talent.
• Inflation slowed to 4.6% in October, easing some cost pressures on businesses and improving spending power for consumers.

The data above highlights both challenges and opportunities. While the rise in unemployment increases the candidate pool, the competition for skilled workers remains fierce. The easing of inflation provides hope for stabilisation, but businesses need to continue adapting to meet candidate expectations and shifting market trends.

As we reflect on 2024, we’re ready to support you in navigating the road ahead into 2025. There are lots of changes coming in April so make sure you get ahead and understand the impact to your business.?

Here is our yearly round up

for 2024...

• Perm placements - 151
• Temp Starts - 2,531
• Clients Supplied - 173
• Adverts posted - 1,056
• Temps registered - 8,629
• Responses to jobs - 43,547

Report on Jobs

November 2024

The latest KPMG & REC UK REPORT ON JOBS has been published featuring survey results from responses to questionnaires sent to a panel of around 400 UK recruitment and employment consultancies.

Read more here

ACS Staffing Solutions - Our Staffing Solution

Brochure

Our team of experienced professionals are dedicated to building strong and lasting relationships with both clients and candidates. We strive to understand your business and its specific needs, ensuring successful outcomes through the strategic placement of suitable individuals.

Download our brochure here

Holiday Pay and Employment Rights

In partnership with Breedon Consulting

As of April 2024, new rules on holiday pay, accrual, and carryover come into effect for irregular and part-year workers. Flexible working requests and paternity leave have also been updated to provide more flexibility.

Read more here

Costs Calculator?

Free Downloadable Resource

Get ahead with the forthcoming changes to National Insurance contributions and net free allowance. Our "FREE" on cost calculator will give you the new PAYE costs to employment.?

Get your free copy today - Download here