By Rob Simpson, Associate Director
Thinking about making a move? You're not alone. Research suggests that around 41% of UK professionals are actively looking or planning to look for a new role in 2026. But with headlines swinging between cautious optimism and economic uncertainty, it can be hard to know whether now is the right moment to take the leap.
The honest answer: it depends on who you are, what sector you work in, and how prepared you are. Here's what the data actually says, and what it means for professionals across Yorkshire and beyond.
Let's start with the numbers. The UK labour market entered 2026 in a more subdued state than the post-pandemic hiring boom many of us became used to. Job vacancies fell to an estimated 711,000 in the three months to March 2026 the lowest level since early 2021. At the same time, candidate availability has been rising, meaning more competition for each role.
That said, it's not all bad news. The ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey for Q1 2026 recorded a Net Employment Outlook of +13%, the first improvement since Q2 2025, suggesting that employer confidence is cautiously returning after months of hiring freezes driven by uncertainty around the Employment Rights Act and rising National Insurance costs.
In short: this isn't the easiest market to move in. But it's far from impossible and for the right candidate in the right sector, the timing could still be very favourable.
Not all sectors are created equal right now. The market is genuinely two-tier.
High demand, lower supply: Roles requiring specialist skills, particularly in Technology, Finance, Engineering, and Procurement, remain competitive to fill. If you work in these areas, you likely hold more leverage than the headline figures suggest. Skills shortages in these disciplines have persisted despite the broader market softening.
More candidates, more competition: For generalist or junior roles, the picture is tougher. Candidate availability is at its highest point of 2026, and employers are being more selective. A strong, tailored application matters far more than it did two years ago.
For professionals across the disciplines Elevation specialises in — accountancy and finance, engineering and manufacturing, HR, sales, marketing, and procurement — demand remains steady, particularly at mid to senior levels where genuine expertise is hard to find.
Even in a softer market, the right candidate still moves quickly. But what does "the right candidate" look like today?
Upskilled professionals are winning. Employers are increasingly hiring for capability and potential, not just experience. In finance particularly, professionals with data analytics skills, digital confidence and commercial awareness are standing out. AI tools are becoming embedded in reporting and forecasting, and employers want people who can work alongside them, not be threatened by them.
Hybrid working is no longer a perk, it's a baseline. Research shows that over half of UK professionals would now rule out a role without a hybrid option. Employers who ignore this continue to struggle to attract top talent. Equally, candidates who are open to some flexibility in where they work will find more doors open to them.
Soft skills are back in focus. As employers work through larger candidate pools, the candidates who communicate clearly, demonstrate commercial awareness, and show genuine preparation are the ones who cut through.
Here's a practical way to think about it.
Move now if:
Wait and prepare if:
For professionals in South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, and the wider region, there are genuine reasons for optimism. Regional hiring hubs outside London, including Leeds and Sheffield, are growing as employers increasingly accept that talent is distributed across the country. The redistribution of professionals away from major cities during and after the pandemic has made regional markets more vibrant than they were five years ago.
Manufacturing and engineering remain pillars of the South Yorkshire economy and continue to hire, particularly for skilled roles. Leeds has established itself as a genuine financial and professional services centre, with demand for accountancy, finance and HR professionals that rivals many larger cities.
2026 is a year where preparation beats optimism. The candidates who move successfully aren't necessarily the bravest, they're the most ready. A sharp, tailored CV, a clear sense of the value you offer, and a realistic view of what the market will pay will take you much further than a scattergun approach.
If you're a specialist professional in accountancy, finance, engineering, HR, sales, marketing or procurement across Yorkshire and the North, the right opportunities are out there. They may just take a little longer to find than they did in 2022.
Thinking about making a move in 2026? Talk to one of the Elevation team. We work across Yorkshire and have a genuine understanding of what employers in your sector are hiring for, and what they'll pay. Register with us or view our latest jobs.
Back to Elevation News