The Rhino Report: February 2026

February is usually when behaviour settles. People have been back at work long enough for early ideas to either stick or drop away. Hiring plans are clearer. Job searches are more focused. There’s less reacting and more deciding.

This month, the biggest shift we’re seeing across the UK recruitment market is straightforward.

People are being more selective.

Employers Are Hiring Because They Need To

In January, a lot of jobs were discussed as possibilities. In February, jobs are being posted because something isn’t working. Work is building up. Teams are short. Projects are under pressure.

UK vacancy levels are still relatively high, but they are lower than this time last year. More importantly, the reason roles exist has changed. Fewer jobs are being posted to test the market. More are being posted to fix a problem (ONS UK Labour Market Overview).

What this means for employers:
Hiring works best when there’s a clear problem to solve. Roles with a real need behind them are moving faster.

What this means for job seekers:
When a role is live, it’s more likely to be genuine and urgent. Good fits are being taken seriously.

Slow Hiring Processes Are Costing Employers

Another change this month is speed. Candidates are less patient with slow feedback and unclear timelines. Long gaps between interviews or vague next steps are causing people to drop out.

For employers, clear communication and quick responses now matter as much as salary.

What this means for employers:
Delays are losing good people. Clear timelines and quick feedback now make a real difference.

What this means for job seekers:
If a process goes quiet or drags on, it’s often a sign to focus elsewhere.

Candidates Are Being Pickier About Where They Apply

Candidates are behaving differently now. Instead of applying for lots of roles, people are slowing down and choosing more carefully. They’re reading job adverts properly. They’re walking away faster when something doesn’t feel right (KPMG & REC UK Report).

Candidates are asking simple but important questions earlier.
What are the hours?
What’s the workload?
What’s actually expected?

Pay still matters, but it’s not enough on its own.

What this means for employers:
Clear job adverts attract better applicants. Vague roles are being skipped.

What this means for job seekers:
Applying for fewer roles with better fit is working better than applying everywhere.

Hot Job Opportunities This Month

🚧 Gateman – Southampton (Alma Site) – £17 per hour

Rhino Recruitment is hiring a Gateman for a short-term site role in Southampton. This position suits someone confident controlling site access, managing visitors and supporting traffic movements when required.

🦺 CSCS Labourer – Southampton (Alma Site) – £15 per hour

Rhino Recruitment is recruiting a CSCS Labourer for work in Southampton. The role involves general site support, moving materials, assisting trades and keeping the site safe and tidy.

🧱 Plasterer – Southampton (Alma Site) – £25 per hour

Rhino Recruitment is seeking an experienced Plasterer for a short pub and restaurant refurbishment project in Southampton. The work focuses mainly on skimming, ceilings and detailed internal finishing.

⚖️ Private Client Solicitor – Caerphilly – Up to £35,000

Rhino Recruitment is working with a well-established South Wales legal practice to recruit a Private Client Solicitor. This permanent role offers the chance to manage a varied caseload while supporting the growth of a busy department.

Vague Job Offers Are Turning People Away

February has brought less patience. Candidates are less willing to accept unclear offers. Employers are less willing to wait weeks for a decision.

If job details keep changing, or expectations aren’t clear, people disengage quickly. This is happening earlier in the process than it did in January.

Clear roles are moving faster. Unclear ones are stalling.

What this means for employers:
Unclear details are slowing decisions. Clear expectations help candidates commit.

What this means for job seekers:
If a role feels unclear or keeps changing, walking away is becoming normal.

More People Are Thinking About The Long Term

February has also changed how people think about progression. More candidates are looking beyond their next job and thinking about skills, learning, and where a role could lead. Interest in development routes hasn’t dropped off. It’s become more thoughtful.

People want to know where a job takes them.

What this means for employers:
Candidates care more about where a role leads, not only what it pays today.

What this means for job seekers:
Thinking about skills and progression is helping people make better choices.

What This Means Right Now

Overall, the market feels calmer. There are fewer rushed decisions and fewer jobs based on hope alone. Employers and candidates are being more careful with their time.

If you’re hiring, clear roles and quick decisions are winning. If you’re job hunting, fewer well-chosen applications are working better than volume.

The UK recruitment market hasn’t stopped. People have simply become more selective.

That’s the shift worth paying attention to.

See you next month.