Recruitment – what’s really going on right now?

Caroline Seear, CEO of Red Recruit Global, gives a straight-talking look at why jobs feel slower right now – and what it really means if you work in the removals industry.

If you’ve been thinking lately, “things feel a bit slower than they should be,” you’re not imagining it. The last couple of months have been a strange one for recruitment across the UK: not dead, not quiet, not booming – just cautious.

So what’s changed?

The biggest thing affecting the market right now is uncertainty. With the situation in Iran and everything that comes with it – rising fuel costs, worries about supply chains, and general global tension – businesses have taken a step back. Companies are not necessarily stopping hiring altogether, but they are thinking twice. Instead of rushing to fill a role, they’re asking whether they really need someone right now, or if it can wait.

What does that mean on the ground?

If you’re looking for a job, you might notice fewer immediate offers, more interviews, and longer waiting times for feedback. If you’re already in a job, you might see roles being discussed but not signed off, and workloads increasing without extra hires. There’s a sense that “the work is still there – but decisions are just taking longer”.

And what about removals?

Despite everything going on, the removals and logistics sector is still active. People are still moving, and businesses are still relocating. However, companies are under pressure. Fuel costs and operating costs are up, so businesses are being more careful about who they bring in. Good people are still hard to find. Experienced drivers, porters, and team leaders remain in short supply. If you’re reliable and know your job, you are still in a strong position – and in tougher times, good people stand out even more.

So why does it feel slower?

Because companies aren’t rushing anymore. They’re taking their time to get the right person, which means more checks, more conversations, and more delays. In short, the market hasn’t crashed – it’s just slowed down and become more cautious. The work is still there, but decisions are taking longer. When things tighten up, companies focus on keeping good staff. Reliable workers stand out, and experience matters more than ever.

Final thoughts

Right now, the market is like waiting at a traffic light: engines are running, but no-one’s moving yet. Once confidence comes back, things will pick up again. Until then, it’s about staying visible and ready. The work hasn’t gone anywhere – it’s just taking a bit longer to get moving.

Caroline Seear is CEO of Red Recruit Global.

Read the story in the Magazine.