Recruitment That Puts People First
Autumn 2026
Your January hire starts here.
The jobs market has shifted. Here’s what it means for you, and what to do before Christmas.
Hello from Nicki & Lissa,
The latest official jobs figures are out, and they point one way. There are fewer vacancies out there and more good people looking. For small businesses in Warwickshire and Worcestershire, that means less competition for the right person.
We’ve been through the numbers, kept a close eye on LinkedIn, and pulled together the news that matters to you, plus a simple plan if hiring is on your January list.
The market in a minute
Vacancies had their biggest fall since the start of the year, driven mainly by smaller businesses. Unemployment also fell, which most analysts hadn’t expected.
Private sector pay is barely keeping ahead of inflation, so lots of people are quietly open to a move. Some economists think the Bank of England could raise interest rates to 4% in November, so keep an eye on costs. Fewer businesses hiring does mean your advert gets noticed, though.
And with 89% of Worcestershire businesses employing fewer than 10 people (Worcestershire LEP Economy Report 2026), every hire really counts.
Source: Office for National Statistics, three months to August 2026, as reported by LinkedIn News, October 2026.
In the news this month
Great people are making fresh starts
LinkedIn is full of experienced managers and specialists sharing news of redundancy, some only months into a new job. Most say the same thing: they know Christmas slows things down, but they want to talk now.
What it means for you: start in November and you’ll reach these candidates before the January crowd does.
Fake recruiters are targeting “Open to Work”
Job seekers report being flooded with messages from fake recruiters, paid CV “fixers” and get-rich schemes. One post on this got almost 1,000 reactions this week. A genuine recruiter will never charge a candidate to find them a job.
What it means for you: candidates are more cautious than they used to be. An advert with a real name and a clear salary builds trust.
Is AI making hiring harder?
Three BBC investigations this year show what happens when hiring is left to the machines. Job seekers are using AI to apply for more jobs than ever, employers are using AI to filter them out, and good people are getting lost in between.
- Spray and pray. One graduate applied for over 200 jobs with AI’s help. EDF closed its graduate scheme early after 12,000 applications, and 92% of large graduate employers have seen or suspected AI misuse, such as candidates reading AI answers in video interviews. BBC, October 2026
- Computer says no. One student was rejected less than two minutes after applying. LinkedIn data shows 89% of UK recruiters plan to use more AI in hiring, and the boss of Adecco, one of the world’s biggest recruitment agencies, says people now send around 200 applications to get one job offer. BBC, March 2026
- Experience overlooked. The BBC spoke to more than 60 women aged 40 to 65 with years of senior experience who can’t get past automated screening. One has applied for 442 jobs. Experts warn AI tools can mark down career breaks, and some London companies have stopped using them over fears of bias. BBC, August 2026
What it means for you: more applications doesn’t mean better ones, and the best person for your role may never get past a computer. We read every CV ourselves and speak to every candidate before you meet them, so experienced, capable people don’t slip through the net.
Six months, not two
From 1 January 2027, employees can claim unfair dismissal after six months’ service instead of two years. Anyone who has already done six months on that date is covered straight away.
What it means for you: good onboarding and a proper six-month review matter more than ever. General information, not legal advice.
Temps are on the up
Temp work is growing, and the Midlands is leading the way. The latest KPMG and REC Report on Jobs found temp billings rose again in September, with “marked increases” in the Midlands and the North of England.
It makes sense. KPMG describes the recovery as “fragile”, with uncertainty around energy prices and borrowing costs. When the future feels hard to call, a lot of businesses would rather bring in help as they need it than commit to a permanent hire straight away.
- Flexibility: cover the busy months without adding to your permanent headcount.
- Cover when you need it: sickness, holidays, maternity leave or a sudden vacancy.
- Try before you commit: see how a role works, and how a person fits, before making it permanent.
- Less admin: we look after payroll and timesheets, so you just get the help.
More temps are available right now
The same report found the number of people looking for temporary work grew at its fastest rate in three months. That means a better choice of temps for you this winter.
Need an extra pair of hands before Christmas? Tell us what you need and we’ll find the right person.
Growing the team you’ve already got
Hiring is only half the story. With fewer people moving jobs and pay rises tight, investing in your current team is one of the best ways to keep good people and get more from them. It also helps with the new six-month rule from 1 January.
Coaching for your managers and staff
We’re qualified coaches as well as recruiters, trained through the Barefoot Coaching programme and accredited McQuaig Practitioners. We work one-to-one with your managers and team members to build confidence, sharpen leadership skills and help people grow into bigger roles.
Good for: a new manager finding their feet, a team member ready for the next step, or a team that needs to pull in the same direction.
Onboarding & 6-Month Review
Getting someone through the door is just the start. We stay alongside you and your new starter for their first six months:
- Before they start, we meet with you to build an onboarding plan
- A profile of how they like to work and be managed
- We check in on their first day and at the end of their first week
- Regular check-ins for six months, to make sure the plan is working and everyone is happy
- A proper review before the six-month point
Why now: from 1 January, six months is when unfair dismissal protection starts. A structured first six months means no surprises for either side.
Beat the January rush
Timings vary. Starting early gives everyone more breathing room.
Your pre-Christmas checklist
Real people. A proper conversation.
At Arden, you speak to Nicki or Lissa. We pick up the phone ourselves and take the time to understand the people behind the CVs and job descriptions.
Who would make the biggest difference to your team?Tell us about the person you need. You don’t need a finished job description.
Nicki & Lissa
Arden Personnel
Alcester 01789 532220 · Redditch 01527 911700
admin@ardenpersonnel.co.uk
ardenpersonnel.co.uk
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