BBC Business

Job vacancies at five-year low as smaller firms scale back recruitment

Small firms cite labour and operating costs as reasons for scaling back hiring, the UK’s statistics body says.

•August 18, 2026•1 min read

Job vacancies at five-year low as smaller firms scale back recruitment

Major stock exchanges worldwide responded positively to trade agreement developments

Small firms cite labour and operating costs as reasons for scaling back hiring, the UK’s statistics body says.