Jobs in demand
Fewer vacancies, more applicants: finding skilled work in 2026
The UK labour market has cooled since its 2022 peak. Here’s what the latest ONS figures say, and what to have ready for the trades Phonim covers.
If job hunting feels harder than it did a few years ago, the numbers agree. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) counted 702,000 vacancies in June to August 2026, down 36,000 on a year earlier and the lowest level since early 2021.
Where the change shows
- Vacancies fell year on year in 13 of the 18 industries the ONS tracks.
- Construction workforce jobs fell by 23,000 on the previous quarter, driven by a fall of 32,000 among the self-employed.
- Accommodation and food services had one of the highest job openings rates, at 2.8%; education had the lowest, at 1.5%.
What it means for you
More applicants per vacancy lets employers be choosier. Have your paperwork ready, be specific about what you can do, and look closely at each workplace before you commit.
What employers commonly ask for
| Role | Commonly asked for | Check with |
|---|---|---|
| HGV drivers | Category C or C+E driving licence and a Driver CPC qualification | GOV.UK / DVSA |
| Vehicle technicians | Evidence of qualifications and experience; requirements vary | The employer |
| Construction & site managers | Many sites ask for a CSCS card (an industry scheme, not a legal licence) | CSCS / the employer |
| Manufacturing, engineering, quality, planning & buying | Qualifications and experience; requirements vary by employer and sector | The job advert |
We haven’t checked each requirement against primary sources for this issue. Confirm the current rules on GOV.UK or with the scheme operator before you apply.
Right to work
Every UK employer must check your right to work before employing you, and can be fined if it doesn’t. Expect to be asked for your documents before your first day, including before a paid trial shift.
Sources
- Vacancies and jobs in the UK: September 2026Office for National Statistics, 2026
- Checking a job applicant’s right to workGOV.UK, accessed 2026
This guide is general information, not legal advice. We checked the figures against these sources on 25 September 2026. Rules and rates change, so check the official source for your situation.