Topics

Recruitment

New and updated

  • Type:
    Economic data

    Recruitment

    Updated to include data for April 2026 on the availability and recruitment of permanent and temporary staff from the KPMG and REC UK Report on Jobs. Use this data to help understand the state of the labour market. 

  • Date:
    6 May 2026
    Type:
    Survey analysis

    Recruitment research 2026

    For many UK employers in 2026, headcount is holding steady. But among those planning to grow, hiring is appearing targeted and deliberate. The Brightmine recruitment research explores hiring intentions, workforce priorities and the challenges facing recruitment in 2026.

  • Date:
    6 May 2026
    Type:
    Commentary and insights

    Beyond the degree: The rise of skills-based hiring

    As skills shortages persist and roles evolve, employers are rethinking what "qualified" really means. The latest Brightmine research examines the rise of skills-based hiring and how organisations are putting it into practice.

  • Type:
    How to

    How to employ international students

    This guide has been reviewed and updated with further detail, including confirmation that permitted weekly working hours must not be averaged out and further detail on managing working hour restrictions for research students without clearly defined vacation periods.

  • Type:
    Employment law guide

    Making job offers

    The recent case of Kankanalapalli v Loesche highlights the importance for HR professionals of distinguishing between conditions precedent and subsequent when making job offers. Employers should review offer letters to ensure that conditions are clearly framed as conditions precedent where appropriate, with a statement that the offer may be withdrawn if those conditions are not met.

  • Type:
    Quick reference

    Record-keeping - statutory requirements

    From 6 April 2026, employers must keep records that are “adequate” to show compliance with statutory annual leave and holiday pay entitlements, including carried-over leave. 

  • Type:
    Training

    Probationary periods - line manager training

    Updated to reflect that statutory sick pay must be made available to all employees from the first day of their absence under the Employment Rights Act 2025.

  • Type:
    How to

    How to lead HR planning for the Employment Rights Act 2025

    Various changes under the Employment Rights Act 2025 took effect on 6 April 2026. HR should begin planning for further reforms due to be introduced later in 2026.

  • Type:
    Employment law guide

    Scotland: recruitment and selection

    The PVG membership "lifetime" status comes to an end on 1 April 2026. This is replaced with a limited time membership which must be renewed every five years to ensure that eligibility and suitability for regulated roles are regularly reviewed and remain current.

  • Type:
    Legal timetable

    Immigration fees increase

    Fees payable to the Home Office when recruiting and sponsoring foreign nationals increase on 8 April 2026.