03.11.2025

Vacancies have fallen to 46,000 – their lowest this year – and 7% of manufacturers say they couldn’t fill any positions this quarter.

At the same time, almost three quarters of employers say technical skills shortages are the biggest thing holding back growth.

Your Q3 HR Bulletin gives you all the data by company size, sector, and region to help you gauge how your business is doing.

We reveal:

  • The latest trends in pay settlements, which are holding steady at 3%.
  • Successful recruitment strategies across UK manufacturing.
  • The biggest barriers to hiring and what’s changing.

This quarter, we’re focusing on what the State Pension Age review means for employers. Over 70% of manufacturers now have employees working beyond retirement age, with one in four workers continuing for more than five years.

Find out how employers are adapting through flexible work, wellbeing, and smarter workforce planning.

Are you a Make UK member? Access the HR Bulletin for free here.

Purchase: HR Bulletin Q3 2025

£99.00