IT vacancies rise 42% as professional hiring improves in Q2

Professional hiring increased between Q1 and Q2 2026 despite continued economic uncertainty, according to new data from Robert Half.

The talent solutions and business consulting firm said its proprietary job posting data pointed to a more resilient recruitment market than at the start of the year.

IT recorded the sharpest quarterly increase, with vacancies rising 42% between Q1 and Q2 2026, although vacancies remained 20% lower year on year in June.

Manufacturing was one of the few sectors to record both quarterly and annual growth. Vacancies rose 18% between Q1 and Q2 and were up 21% year on year in June.

Logistics and utilities also recorded positive movement on both measures. Logistics vacancies rose 24% between Q1 and Q2, while utilities increased 21% over the same period. Both sectors recorded 6% year-on-year growth in June.

Robert Half said the stronger quarterly performance suggested confidence was returning in some areas of the recruitment market, even though annual comparisons remained subdued.

Phil Boden, market director at Robert Half, said: “While year-on-year vacancy levels remain lower across many professional sectors, the quarterly data points to a more resilient recruitment market than earlier in the year. Employers continue to navigate economic uncertainty, but increased hiring activity across a number of sectors suggests demand for talent remains present where organisations have critical skills needs.

“The rise in IT vacancies during Q2 is particularly notable, although activity remains below last year’s levels. Manufacturing, logistics and utilities also recorded stronger demand over the quarter, highlighting continued recruitment activity in sectors that play an important role in supporting day-to-day operations and infrastructure.”