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LOCAL RECRUITMENT OUTLOOK: HOW BUSINESSES ARE ADAPTING IN 2025
By Chris Tuthill Operations Manager
As we move through the second half of 2025, local businesses are continuing to adapt their approach to recruitment in response to an evolving landscape. While the market is showing signs of recovery, many employers are still navigating internal signoff delays, headcount freezes, and increased pressure on stretched teams.
Despite these challenges, the work hasn’t stopped — and in many cases, demand has grown. Whether it's due to seasonal peaks, new projects, or simply keeping up with day-to-day operations, there’s a clear trend: businesses still need support, even if permanent hiring isn't immediately on the table.
One of the clearest shifts seen locally is a renewed focus on short-term and flexible staffing. Temporary workers are increasingly being used not just to plug gaps, but as a strategic way to manage uncertainty, trial roles, or reduce strain on permanent staff. For some employers, what starts as a few weeks of cover during the summer holiday period evolves into a longer-term solution, especially when the fit is right.
Another growing area is temp-to-perm hiring. Businesses are becoming more cautious about committing to permanent roles up front and instead are bringing people in on a temporary basis first — giving both sides a chance to assess the fit before a longerterm offer is made. It’s a practical, low-risk approach that’s proving effective across a range of office support and operational roles. We’ve also seen a notable rise in what we call “client-supplied” arrangements — where a business identifies their own candidate (perhaps a freelancer, returner, or someone already known to them), but needs help managing the payroll and compliance side. It’s a flexible way to onboard quickly without adding headcount, and one that’s becoming more common in today’s climate.
Underlying all of this is a theme of adaptability. Local employers are looking for solutions that are fast, flexible, and straightforward — whether for a single week of holiday cover or to trial support for a new function. Having been part of the local business community for over 45 years now, we’ve seen first-hand how hiring needs shift with the times — and the importance of having options that reflect those changes. For businesses planning ahead this summer, or simply trying to manage resources with more flexibility, temporary staffing continues to offer a practical way forward — no big commitment, just the support you need, when you need it.
Temporary workers are increasingly being used not just to plug gaps, but as a strategic way to manage uncertainty, trial roles, or reduce strain on permanent staff. For some employers, what starts as a few weeks of cover during the summer holiday period evolves into a longer-term solution, especially when the fit is right.
