The Rhino Report: July 2025

Welcome to your July 2025 edition of The Rhino Report, where we bring you the latest UK job market update and sector highlights.

Summer is well underway, making it the perfect time to set new goals, explore fresh opportunities, and keep up to date with employment trends.

Whether you’re exploring a new role or looking to understand the current hiring landscape, this month’s update offers valuable insights for candidates and employers alike.

UK Job Market Remains Resilient

The employment landscape across the UK continues to show stability. Between February and April 2025, employment for people aged 16 to 64 rose to 75.1%, as reported by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This indicates more individuals are in work compared to the same period last year.

Economic inactivity has decreased to 21.3%, showing that more people are participating in the workforce.

“The jobs market is proving to be remarkably resilient in the face of wider economic uncertainty,” said Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce.

📉 Slowdown in Payroll Growth

Despite stable employment rates, the number of payrolled employees is declining. In May, figures dropped by 109,000 and have reduced by 274,000 over the past year.

This signals more cautious hiring behaviour, with some employers opting to pause or slow recruitment plans (ONS).

Ongoing Vacancy Reductions

From March to May 2025, total job vacancies in the UK fell by 63,000, bringing the total to 736,000. This marks the 35th straight decline in open roles, with most sectors showing reduced hiring activity.

“Vacancies continued to fall across most industry sectors for the 35th consecutive quarter,” said Seemanti Ghosh, Principal Economist at the Institute for Employment Studies (Personnel Today).

Wages Continue to Improve

Earnings are still on the rise, even with fewer vacancies. Average regular pay increased by 5.2% over the year to April. Adjusted for inflation, this represents a real-terms boost of 1.4%.

Public sector earnings grew slightly faster at 5.6%, while private sector pay rose by 5.1%. Flexibility, development, and career progression remain top priorities for many job seekers.

👥 Current Skilled Trades Vacancies

Here are a few featured roles available this month:

🔧 Apprentice Fabricator – Bridgend – £6.40–£11.44/hour (DOE)

Join a respected fabrication company in Bridgend as an Apprentice Fabricator. Perfect for those keen to build practical skills and start a long-term career in metalwork.

Click here for all the details.

🔧 Semi‑Skilled Fabricators – Cardiff – £24,761 per annum

We’re seeking Semi‑Skilled Fabricators for a Cardiff-based business working with aluminium systems for doors, windows, and curtain walls.

Click here for all the details.

🔧 CNC Operator – Cardiff – £26,364 per annum

This CNC Operator position involves programming and operating Emmegi Phantomatic machinery as part of a growing team in Cardiff. Training and support included.

Click here for all the details.

📋 Senior Quantity Surveyor – Cardiff – £Negotiable (DOE)

A great opportunity for a Senior Quantity Surveyor to manage budgets and costs for key construction and fit-out projects around Cardiff.

Click here for all the details.

⚙️ Coded Welder – Middlesbrough – £23.37/hour (OT at ×1.4 & ×1.8) PAYE

We’re hiring a Coded Welder for a fabrication shop role in Middlesbrough with national travel. Work includes TIG and MAG welding on various steel structures.

Click here for all the details.

Overall Job Numbers Are Growing

Despite declines in vacancies and payroll, the UK’s total job count is rising. Workforce Jobs data shows 37.1 million positions as of March 2025, an increase of 187,000 since December and over 300,000 over the year. This includes multiple-job holders, giving a wider picture of activity.

📈 Unemployment and Benefit Claims Increase

The UK unemployment rate now stands at 4.6%, with 1.735 million people claiming unemployment-related benefits as of May. For employers, this signals more candidates in the market. For job seekers, it underlines the importance of standing out during applications (ONS).

What This Means for Hiring and Careers

With competition increasing, both candidates and employers need to act strategically. For job seekers, focus on a polished CV and timely applications. For hiring teams, clarity and speed in recruitment can help secure top talent.

This Month's Insider Insight and Expert Advice

What If Mechanical Engineering Hiring, Housing & Payroll Were All in One Place?

Discover how our all-in-one solution speeds up hiring, cuts delays, and keeps projects moving.

Click here for more.

Recruitment in a Recession: What You Need to Know

Worried about recruitment during a downturn? Learn how smart workforce planning and industry insight can help you stay ahead, even when the economy slows.

Click here for more.

Looking Ahead

As the job market shifts, being informed is essential. We’ll continue to provide monthly updates, roles, and recruitment insights throughout the summer.

Thanks for reading The Rhino Report. See you next month!