Ryan FowlerThe Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) is reporting renewed strength in the contract market as employers continue to prioritise flexibility amid uncertain economic conditions.
Its latest Hiring Trends report, produced with Bullhorn, shows contract vacancies rose by 2% between September and October 2025 and by 8% year-on-year.
Contract placements also increased, up 1% month-on-month and 13% compared with October 2024, reflecting the sustained reliance on contingent workers across the professional staffing sector.
While the permanent market remains more subdued, there are signs of stabilisation. Permanent vacancies held steady in October after a sharp rise of 26% between August and September.
Year-on-year vacancy levels remain 16% lower, but permanent placements increased by 2% month-on-month and 5% compared with last October, suggesting that earlier vacancy growth is slowly feeding through into hiring activity.
Samantha Hurley, managing director at APSCo UK, said: “The uptick in contract hiring reflects the agility that businesses are seeking in today’s market. With ongoing economic uncertainty and evolving workforce expectations, organisations are increasingly turning to flexible staffing models to maintain momentum while managing risk.
“While permanent hiring is still finding its footing, the growth in placements is a promising sign that confidence is gradually returning. It’s clear that professional staffing firms are playing a pivotal role in helping businesses adapt, providing access to skilled talent quickly and efficiently, whether on a contract or permanent basis.”
Andy Ingham, SVP sales, EMEA & APAC at Bullhorn, added: “October showed steady progress in both contract and permanent hiring. Contract jobs and placements saw modest month-over-month growth, a positive sign as we move into November.
“The permanent market remains stable, with recruiters showing improved efficiency, possibly an early sign of AI helping teams deliver more effectively. Overall, a solid month that points to quiet but steady momentum in the market.”
Hannah Goldstraw, consultant at Barrow Mount Recruitment, said: “Hirers are clearly balancing caution with the need to keep critical projects moving, and that’s driving the renewed appetite for contract talent.
“At the same time, the gradual improvement in permanent placements shows that employers are beginning to make more confident, longer-term hiring decisions again.
“What we’re seeing is a market that isn’t surging, but is steadily recalibrating, with flexibility and pace remaining top priorities for businesses across the professional staffing landscape.”
