As we entered September, many across the recruitment industry were wondering whether the traditional “September surge” would hold up, or whether ongoing uncertainty in the wider economy would dampen activity once again.
Now, as we move through October, the picture is becoming clearer and more optimistic. Across the UK, there are encouraging signs of stabilisation and even renewed momentum in the jobs market. Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability (HSE) recruitment is reflecting that shift too, with increasing activity from both employers and candidates.
At Irwin and Colton, we’ve seen a double-digit percentage increase in new HSE vacancies over the past six weeks compared with the six weeks prior. That’s a meaningful uplift and mirrors the subtle but positive trends highlighted in the latest national labour market data.
Is this a short-term spike or the start of something more sustained?
The wider UK labour market: Signs of stabilisation
The KPMG and REC UK Report on Jobs (October 2025) suggests that while the labour market is still subdued, the rate of decline in permanent placements is now at its slowest in a year. Temporary billings have remained relatively stable, and candidate availability continues to rise sharply, giving hiring managers more choice and supporting faster placements.
Other indicators also point to cautious optimism:
Employer confidence is returning. The REC noted that confidence in hiring intentions is at its highest in over two years, suggesting businesses are beginning to look ahead rather than simply react.
Vacancies are contracting more slowly. Overall vacancy volumes remain below last year’s levels, but the pace of decline has eased, a possible sign of bottoming out.
Pay growth has stabilised. Salary inflation has slowed, reflecting reduced demand and tighter budgets, but this can also make it easier for employers to plan and commit to hiring.
What we’re seeing in Health and Safety recruitment
Within the HSE profession, several key themes are shaping the current market:
Strategic Health & Safety leadership in demand:
There’s growing demand for senior safety professionals who can influence culture, lead transformation, and align health and safety with wider business goals. This is particularly evident in construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing, where organisations increasingly view safety as a core ESG metric.
Hybrid HSE and ESG roles are growing:
Employers are blending safety with environmental and sustainability responsibilities. Professionals with experience in carbon management, ethical supply chains, and social impact are finding new opportunities in evolving, multi-disciplinary roles.
Speed and clarity win the best talent:
Skilled and experienced qualified candidates are still in short supply in many areas; being clear on your hiring process and timely decision-making remain critical for hiring managers. Those who act quickly are consistently securing the best professionals ahead of competitors.
What this means for hiring managers and HSE professionals
Whether you’re hiring or exploring your next move, this moment represents an opportunity to be proactive rather than reactive.
For hiring managers:
Move decisively when you identify the right candidate; delays risk losing talent to competitors.
Review pay scales and benefits to ensure they remain competitive, even as salary growth stabilises.
For HSE candidates:
Stay visible and connected. The best opportunities are often filled quickly and through networks.
Be ready to act. As the market improves, flexibility and timing are key to securing your ideal role.
Looking ahead
The Health and Safety profession continues to evolve, influenced by ESG priorities, digital transformation, and changing workforce dynamics.
After a muted first half of the year, the recent uptick in hiring activity feels significant, not just a blip. Whether this proves to be the start of a sustained recovery or a short-lived surge remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: momentum is building again!
For both employers and professionals, now is the time to re-engage with the market, refine strategies, and prepare for what’s next.
If you’d like to discuss your hiring plans or explore the latest HSE opportunities, the team at Irwin and Colton would be happy to help.