UK recruiters gain after survey shows strongest rise in starting salaries in nearly 18 months

Robert Walters

09/02/2026 08:41

** Shares of British recruiters rise after survey shows starting salaries for permanent staff saw their biggest rise in nearly a year and a half in January

** The KPMG/REC Report on Jobs said wage growth for newly hired permanent staff hit its strongest level since August 2024

** Temporary staff hiring also rose, partly due to demand for short-term staff and new projects, according to the survey

** Survey also noted that some firms increased hiring once uncertainty around finance minister Rachel Reeves’ November 26 budget had lifted

** SThree STEMS.L rose 1.9%, Hays HAYS.L rose 3.7%

** PageGroup PAGE.L rose 2.6%, Robert Walters RWA.L rose 2.5%

(Reporting by Nithyashree R B in Bengaluru)

((NithyashreeRB@thomsonreuters.com))