Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, said:

“There have been increasing signs from businesses as we enter 2026 that uncertainty on hiring plans is giving way to action. That does not mean a general hiring upswing, but the “wait-and-see” period seems to be ending. REC members across the country report a change in tone since the start of the year.

“The decisions firms are now making involve lots of trade-offs, such as whether to create jobs in the UK or elsewhere, or which jobs need the human touch as opposed to an automated solution. A growing, inclusive economy requires high levels of employment – a focus on encouraging firms to create jobs rather than discouraging that investment is more important than ever. So far, the Government has struggled to convince businesses