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As 2025 starts to draw to a close, many organisations pause recruitment, assuming January is now the next best time to hire. But what many don’t know is that November and December offer a window to secure top talent before the New Year rush.
We’ve seen how proactive hiring in the final quarter can give businesses a competitive edge, especially in health and safety, where leadership and technical expertise are vital for success.
Breaking the myth of January hiring
January is often seen as the natural time to recruit, with fresh budgets and new-year momentum. But this creates a crowded market, with multiple organisations competing for the same candidates. In contrast, November and December offer a quieter, more focused hiring environment, ideal for attracting high-quality professionals without the noise.
Why Q4 hiring works in Health and Safety
Access to high-quality candidates: Many health and safety professionals are actively exploring new opportunities before year-end. They’re motivated to start 2026 with purpose, making Q4 the perfect time to engage with talent that’s ready to move.
Streamlined onboarding: The holiday period provides a natural break in operations, allowing new hires to settle in, build relationships, and understand internal processes. This is especially valuable in health and safety roles, where stakeholder engagement is a key part of many roles.
Make the most of Year-End budgets: Unused budget from 2025 can be invested in recruitment. Securing talent now ensures your team is fully resourced to tackle compliance, risk management, and initiatives from day one in 2026.
Planning for 2026: The market and current hiring timelines
As organisations increasingly link safety performance to ESG and commercial value, health and safety roles are changing. Leaders who can translate strategy into delivery, whether through behavioural safety programmes, ISO certifications, or risk-led governance, are in high demand.
With typical hiring timelines in 2025 now ranging from 12 to 16 weeks, from initial brief to start date, if you want someone in place for Q1 or Q2 2026, now is the time to begin conversations. Remember – starting now keeps you ahead of competing organisations!
How to get ahead before Year-end
Align on the Brief: Define the outcomes you want in 2026, and the capabilities needed to deliver them.
Streamline Interview Stages: Two rounds are often enough for mid to senior hires, and avoid unnecessary delays.
Pre-Book Interview Slots: Holding time in diaries keeps momentum and avoids festive season bottlenecks.
Warm the Market: Discreet outreach now means you’re ready to move when budgets are confirmed.
Consider Interim Support: Short-term specialists can bridge gaps or accelerate projects while permanent hiring is completed.
Ready to recruit?
If you are thinking of hiring for the new year, now is the time to act.
At Irwin and Colton, health, safety, environment, and sustainability recruitment is our core focus. With deep sector knowledge and years of experience, we connect organisations with professionals who bring technical expertise, strategic insight, and cultural alignment. Whether you're hiring one key individual or building an entire team - let us help you navigate the final quarter and secure the talent you need to thrive in 2026.
Get in touch to discuss your recruitment plans.