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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Tom Knowles

Britain’s job market ‘floundering’ as companies remain cautious about hiring

A Jobcentre Plus building
Unemployment in the UK reached a five-year high in the last three months of 2025. Photograph: Linda Nylind/The Guardian

Britain’s jobs market is “floundering” amid weak hiring demand, with only limited signs of recovery, data has revealed.

Companies remain cautious about hiring staff amid cost pressures and economic uncertainty, according to two reports released on Monday. They show the labour market continues to be in a fragile position.

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