UK hiring has eased from the post-pandemic peak, with overall job postings still below pre-2020 levels. However, this headline trend masks continued strength in high-skill sectors, where innovation, regulation and technology are sustaining demand for specialist professionals.
The UK life sciences sector is set for a year of progress, driven by new investment, government initiatives, and evolving hiring priorities. Both companies and job seekers need to understand the key trends emerging in the job market.
From the start of 2026 to mid-March, we analysed our internal data on all client hiring needs. We compared this with the same period last year and have highlighted our key findings.
The commercial recruitment market is stabilising with selective growth, emphasising seniority, strategic impact, and cross-functional expertise over sheer volume.
Looking at Talentmark data, our placements within UK translational sciences highlight a strong, focused market. While total placement volume has increased slightly year on year at Scientist level and below, the proportion of contract roles has risen from 57% of all scientific placements in Q1 2025 to 70% in Q2 2026.
The UK’s new Employment Rights Act 2025 is the most significant overhaul of employment legislation in recent years. Aiming to reform the modern-day workplace, by putting in new protections for employees and improving job security for millions of workers across the UK.
Next week, our Client Partner - Jim Gleeson, and Client Development Manager - Georgia Barnes, are attending the Business Lead Generation at Events Seminar hosted by One Nucleus on Tuesday 17 March at Marks & Clerk, London.
CK Group has announced that it has rebranded to Talentmark, marking an important milestone following its acquisition by Talentmark in late 2021
One of the best ways to stay connected, informed, and visible, is through membership in professional industry organisations. These bodies offer networking, professional development, and industry insight, as well as offering access new career opportunities.
As the job markets move into 2026, hiring is no longer just about filling roles, it’s about matching what candidates want with what employers are offering.
Jim Gleeson and Georgia Barnes will be attending Genesis 2025 from One Nucleus on 3 December 2025 in Wimpole Street, London.
We’re delighted to share that Mary Bolt will be heading to the Bionow Oncology Conference 2025 this November
Although we may have a new name and a new look, we're still the same people.
Our teams will continue to work with clients and candidates as we always have, delivering the same quality expertise and service but now empowered by a single, internationally recognised brand across Europe and the U.S.
We can't wait to see what the future holds.