Q3 Recruitment Performance Trends & Forecasts
We take a deep dive into the recruitment industry statistics over the past quarter and look forward at YOY trends for Q4.
The Firefish Job Flow Index allows you to explore recruitment statistics drawn from over 750 recruitment agencies.
Recruitment Overview
Quarter 3 closed out with the strongest performance so far this year. But as we look forward to Quarter 4 we know an inevitable seasonal dip in job demand is coming. So how does Q3 2024 compare to Q3 2023, and what should we expect from the final quarter of the year?
The Highlights:
- The total volume of jobs created in Q3 2024 was consistent with Q3 2023.
- The total volume of placements made in Q3 2024 was 20% higher than in Q3 2023.
- The total volume of permanent placements made in Q3 2024 was 8% lower than in Q3 2023.
- The total volume of Temp & Contract placements made in Q3 2024 was 23% higher than in Q3 2023.
Follow the quick links below to explore how different sectors are faring across the Permanent and Temporary and Contract divisions.
Placements by sector
Permanent placements in the professional services sector decreased by 6% in Q3 2024 vs Q3 2023.
Temp & contract placements in the professional services sector increased by 292% in Q3 2024 vs Q3 2023. In 2023 the temp industry in this sector experienced a spike in November and remained relatively strong in December.
Professional Services
Finance & Accountancy
Permanent placements in the finance and accountancy sector decreased by 21% in Q3 2024 vs Q3 2023.
Temporary & contract placements in this sector decreased by 44% in Q3 2024 vs Q3 2023.
Technology
Permanent placements in the technology sector increased by 25% in Q3 2024 vs Q3 2023.
Temporary & contract placements in the technology sector decreased by 40% in Q3 2024 vs Q3 2023.
Jobs created and number of placements
The total number of jobs created in Q3 2024 was consistent with Q3 2024.
The General Election caused a fluctuation in the timing of jobs hitting the market.
There was an 8% decrease in the number of perm jobs created in Q3 2024 vs Q3 2023.
There was an 8% increase in the number of temp & contract jobs created in Q3 2024 vs Q3 2023.
Permanent
Temp & Contract
The total number of placements made in Q3 2024 was 20% higher than in Q3 2023.
Placements remained resilient, despite fluctuating demand.
There was a 23% increase in the number of perm placements made in Q3 2024 vs Q3 2023.
There was an 8% decrease in the number of perm placements made in Q3 2024 vs Q3 2023.
Placements
Explore monthly recruitment statistics including agency placement trends. Compare jobs created to placements made and explore performance by sector.
Construction
Permanent placements in the construction sector decreased by 16% in Q3 2024 vs Q3 2023.
Temporary & contract placements in the construction sector increased by 21% in Q3 2024 vs Q3 2023.
Engineering, Manufacturing, Logistics & FMCG
Permanent placements in the engineering, manufacturing, logistics & FMCG sector increased by 36% in Q3 2024 vs Q3 2023.
Temporary & contract placements in this sector increased by 4% in Q3 2024 vs Q3 2023.
Sales & Digital Marketing
Permanent placements in the sales & digital marketing sector decreased by 44% in Q3 2024 vs Q3 2023.
Temporary and contract placements in sales & digital marketing decreased by 52% in Q3 2024 vs Q3 2023.
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Blue Collar
Permanent placements in the blue collar sector decreased by 50% in Q3 2024 vs Q3 2023.
Temporary and contract placements in blue collar sector decreased by 52% in Q3 2024 vs Q3 2023.
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