“Good people – particularly those in highly skilled remits – are still hard to come by”
While the broader UK recruitment market continues to face headwinds, Astute’s latest data shows a different picture altogether.
Recruitment fell once again in April as uncertainty around US tariffs added to the UK’s hiring woes.
That’s according to the latest data from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo).
In its latest Hiring Trends analysis – produced in conjunction with Bullhorn – APSCo revealed a reduction in the number of new roles added between March and April, with contract jobs added dropping -6% month-on-month while permanent roles also fell -5%.
Contract placements also declined -11% and permanent fell -8% between March and April.
These latest figures follow a previously optimistic report in March of marginal increases in hiring, which suggests that the recent news around US tariffs have added to the difficulties in the recruitment market.
Samantha Hurley, UK Managing Director at APSCo commented, “There’s no doubt that much of the news coming out of the US is hindering some of the recovery previously noted, which is certainly disappointing.
“However, as most businesses are increasingly recognising, fast-paced change is today’s reality and firms need to be able to adapt and respond appropriately. That includes ensuring blips such as this don’t lead to unnecessarily rash decisions.
“Good people – particularly those in highly skilled remits – are still hard to come by, and employers continue to turn to the best recruiters to source these individuals.
“Staffing firms need to stand their ground and demonstrate now more than ever, just why they are the valuable asset we know them to be.
“Following the doom and gloom agenda will only add fuel to the fire.”
Andy Ingham, Senior Vice President Sales, EMEA and APAC, Bullhorn, added, “The April data shows a decline in permanent and temporary jobs, a shift from the positive momentum reflected in the March data and seasonally uncharacteristic.
“Data suggests that the implementation of global tariffs at the beginning of the month may have influenced the April report.
“The market should remain vigilant and exercise patience, not react in haste.”
Astute’s data, however, tells a different story.
The specialist energy recruiter recorded a 12.9% increase in permanent roles advertised from March to April, while contract roles dipped 7.4%.
Overall, job volume rose by 2.9% month-on-month.
Matt Dickens, Director at Astute, commented, “While many sectors are feeling the pressure of economic and geopolitical disruption, the energy industry continues to show resilience.
“Our data reflects a healthy appetite for permanent hiring across the sector, particularly in renewables, power generation, and nuclear.
“We’ve increasingly focused on building deeper partnerships with organisations that understand the value of specialist contract recruitment in complex, technical environments.
“Our contract performance has been exceptionally strong in terms of placements and delivery, and this evolution ensures we’re aligned with clients that prioritise expertise, speed, and long-term outcomes over volume alone.”
“What we’re seeing is businesses across the energy sector clambering for talent.
“In these environments, any downturn in project activity caused by talent shortages has a ripple effect – risking cost overruns, delays, or safety concerns.
“That’s why we take a partnership-led approach.
“We don’t just react; we embed ourselves into our clients’ workforce planning, enabling them to attract, secure, and retain the best people at the right time.”
“Highly skilled professionals in the energy sector remain in high demand and short supply – and that’s exactly where Astute adds the most value.
“Our deep understanding of niche technical disciplines across nuclear, power generation, and renewables means we’re able to cut through the noise and deliver talent that others can’t reach.
“We have access to a wide talent pool, but we also recognise that the best candidates aren’t always actively looking.
“Through our People Plus solution and innovative marketing strategies, we help businesses amplify their employee value proposition and engage with skilled professionals who might not otherwise be considering a move. It’s about creating the right opportunity, not just filling a vacancy.”
While the wider UK recruitment market continues to show signs of strain – with ONS data confirming a 13.5% year-on-year decline in total vacancies – the energy sector remains comparatively robust.
Astute’s consistent performance during this period underlines the importance of industry specialism, a proactive client approach, and long-term strategy over short-term reactions.
If you’re looking for expert recruitment support in the power, nuclear, or renewable energy sectors, contact Astute today.
Our team of specialists is ready to help you secure the right talent to keep your projects moving forward.
