[UK] Graduate job postings lowest since pandemic while AI skills demand climbs

In the UK, newly released data has revealed that hiring fell in the first six months of 2026 with job postings for graduates at their lowest since 2020, Reuters reports.

In addition, the survey - from the recruitment platform Indeed - showed demand for AI skills have hit a record high.

Jack Kennedy - ⁠Indeed senior economist - said, "The UK's labour market is under sustained pressure. Hiring demand is falling across most parts of the economy, while posted wage growth is gradually cooling.

"That is particularly challenging for graduates and younger workers, who are competing for fewer opportunities to gain an initial foothold."

According to the survey, job postings fell by 11 per cent between the start of 2026 and July 17: 32 per cent lower than pre-pandemic.

Advertised wage growth reportedly cooled to 3.9 per cent annually in the three months to June, its slowest since February 2022.

Indeed also found that graduate job postings ⁠were down 7 per cent year-on-year as of July 10 and were at their lowest level for the time of the year since 202o while summer job postings - covering temporary and seasonal roles - were their weakest in four ⁠years.

At the end of June, Indeed discovered that AI or related tools and programmes appeared in a record high 9.4 per cent of UK job postings.

Previously released data reportedly found that the UK has experienced a ⁠worsening youth unemployment crisis since the pandemic. More than a million young people aged 16 to 24 are not in education, employment or training.

Source: Reuters

(Quote via original reporting)

In the UK, newly released data has revealed that hiring fell in the first six months of 2026 with job postings for graduates at their lowest since 2020, Reuters reports.

In addition, the survey - from the recruitment platform Indeed - showed demand for AI skills have hit a record high.

Jack Kennedy - ⁠Indeed senior economist - said, "The UK's labour market is under sustained pressure. Hiring demand is falling across most parts of the economy, while posted wage growth is gradually cooling.

"That is particularly challenging for graduates and younger workers, who are competing for fewer opportunities to gain an initial foothold."

According to the survey, job postings fell by 11 per cent between the start of 2026 and July 17: 32 per cent lower than pre-pandemic.

Advertised wage growth reportedly cooled to 3.9 per cent annually in the three months to June, its slowest since February 2022.

Indeed also found that graduate job postings ⁠were down 7 per cent year-on-year as of July 10 and were at their lowest level for the time of the year since 202o while summer job postings - covering temporary and seasonal roles - were their weakest in four ⁠years.

At the end of June, Indeed discovered that AI or related tools and programmes appeared in a record high 9.4 per cent of UK job postings.

Previously released data reportedly found that the UK has experienced a ⁠worsening youth unemployment crisis since the pandemic. More than a million young people aged 16 to 24 are not in education, employment or training.

Source: Reuters

(Quote via original reporting)