Wondering what's shaping the job market right now? Each month, we break down the top five stories you need to know, plus what they mean for businesses, recruiters, and job seekers alike.
As we enter Spring, April's job market is set for significant change for job seekers and employers. New employment rights come into effect this month under the Employment Rights Act 2025, alongisde new programs aimed at supporting young people, underrepresented groups and people with disabilities or long-term health conditions. We also look at a new survey from the REC about how employers are approaching hiring so far in 2026.
While unemployment remains high in the UK, these programs, survey results, and changes to employment law indicate an increase in support for job seekers nationwide.
Changes to employment law
New employment rights will begin to take effect this month, under the Employment Rights Act 2025. From an increase to the National Living Wage and statutory pay rates for maternity, paternity, and adoption pay, to changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and increased protections for reporting sexual harassment.
Additionally, a new enforcement body, the Fair Work Agency, has been established to monitor holiday pay, SSP, and minimum wage.
Employers less negative about the UK economy, says REC survey
The Recruitment and Employment Confederation's (REC) latest JobsOutlook survey has found that, despite rising costs, businesses were more ready to invest at the start of 2026 than in the previous year. According to the survey of 709 employers, conducted between December 2025 and February 2026, hiring intentions for short-term and medium-term perm and temp jobs remain positive, although there is still hesitation when it comes to long-term roles.
'Temporary and contract workers are set to play a central role in London's recovery as firms rely on flexible staffing to move forward', says REC Chief Executive, Neil Carberry. However, he continues to raise a concern with permanent hiring intentions from London employers; 'If London employers hesitate to commit to long-term roles, it signals uncertainty about demand, revenue prospects and operating conditions.'
£3,000 'Youth jobs grants' announced to support hiring young people
Work and Pensions Secretary, Pat McFadden, announced a new 'youth jobs grant' of £3,000, aimed at encouraging companies to hire young people. The grant is part of an existing scheme that pays firms to hire workers who have been out of work for over 6 months, and is specifically aimed at people aged 18 to 24 who are on benefits and have been job hunting for 6 months or more.
The goal for the grant is to support the approx. 60,000 young people in the UK into employment over the next 3 years; however, further requirements for the scheme are yet to be confirmed.
Oxford's Connect to Work scheme sees success
Launched in November 2025, Connect to Work in Oxfordshire is a five-year program supporting people with disabilities or long-term health conditions in finding work. The scheme announced its first success story this month, with Tom Bucknell, a wheelchair user from Bicester, securing work through the program. He was referred to the program by the JobCentre and received personalised help to find a customer service position.
The first success has been praised by Councillor Tim Bearder, cabinet member for adult social car at Oxfordshire County Council; 'This is exactly what the program is here to do: help people facing real barriers realise their strengths and move into meaningful work.'
The scheme has since been launched in York and North Yorkshire, and already operates in Norfolk.
Mobile job centres to be rolled out across England and Wales
A new JobCentre on Wheels service is set to start in areas of England and Wales, following hugely successful pilots in Scotland, North and Mid Wales, and Greater Mancester. The JobCentre vans will be parked outside family hubs, leisure centres, supermarkets, local events, and football matches, serving specific areas with some of the highest unemployment rates.
The mobile JobCentres will give people the chance to meet work coaches offering support with job searching and training opportunities, and form part of the government's plans to 'Get Britain Working'.
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