The headline is cautiously positive. After a long squeeze, permanent placements have finally stabilised, ending a decline that had been in place since Liz Truss's premiership 45 months ago, while temporary billings increased for a fourth consecutive month REC / KPMG Report on Jobs (S&P Global). That matters for banking employers, because it signals the end of a long freeze rather than a fresh downturn.
The wider picture is still soft, which makes the rebound more notable where it appears. Early estimates for May to July 2026 suggest a decrease of 6,000 (0.8%) vacancies to 707,000 across the UK ONS - Vacancies and jobs in the UK, August 2026. The labour market is currently described as 'low hire, low fire', with weaker recruitment but only slight increases in redundancies, and vacancies have dropped below pre-pandemic levels Low Pay Commission Report 2025, GOV.UK. Against that backdrop, any sector adding roles stands out.
Demand is skewing towards senior, qualified people. In the financial services sector, recruitment was generally for Regulatory Qualification Framework (RQF) 6+ roles, rather than RQF 3 to 5 GOV.UK - Temporary Shortage List: Stage 2 report. In plain terms, employers want degree-level and above capability: relationship managers, credit and risk specialists, compliance leads and the commercial bankers who hold client portfolios together.
Professional services more broadly are showing movement too. In August to October 2025, the largest volume increase in vacancies was in the professional, scientific and technical activities sector, which rose by 5,000 ONS – Vacancies and jobs in the UK: November 2025. The pattern is clear: where the work is specialised and the stakes are high, hiring continues even in a quiet market.
When demand concentrates on senior, qualified people, speed and precision win. The best people for RQF 6+ roles are rarely active applicants, so waiting for inbound applications leaves gaps unfilled. Reach out directly, define the regulatory qualifications and client-facing skills you need up front, and move quickly once you find a match.
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