Category: Market Insight

Employer confidence across UK construction has hit its strongest level since 2019, with permanent hiring intentions up significantly across all major sectors.

New data shows employer confidence across the UK construction sector has reached its highest point in five years — a significant milestone signalling renewed optimism following a challenging period of economic uncertainty.

What’s driving the recovery?

Infrastructure investment — including ongoing major transport projects, the government’s housing delivery programme and a pipeline of regional developments — is sustaining demand for technical talent at all levels.

Permanent hiring is up 34% year-on-year, confidence is at a five-year high, and all 11 of our specialist sectors are reporting growth.

Want to take advantage of current market conditions? Whether you’re looking to hire or seeking your next opportunity, our consultants are ready to help.

Mechanical and electrical engineering candidates are in short supply across commercial build projects, and the gap is widening as more schemes reach the M&E-intensive fit-out stage simultaneously.

Why demand is outpacing supply

Building services requirements have become more complex — energy efficiency standards, smart building systems and stricter compliance all require more specialist input than a decade ago, while the pipeline of newly qualified M&E engineers hasn’t grown at the same rate.

Employers who move quickly, offer clear progression and are flexible on start dates are winning the strongest candidates. Talk to our M&E team about your current vacancies.