JUST 6% OF MANAGERS SAY YOUNG RECRUITS ARE READY FOR WORK
Posted on 28th July 2026
Young people entering the workplace dramatically overestimate their workplace readiness compared with the views of their managers, according to a landmark new report from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), published to mark Youth Employment Week.
REC URGES NEW PRIME MINISTER TO 'SET BUSINESSES FREE'
Posted on 28th July 2026
The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has called on the new Prime Minister to enable businesses to drive the economic recovery he wants. Redesigning planned employment reforms, supply-side reform of the economy and reducing the tax and regulatory burden on employing people will be vital to achieving this.
BUILDING MANAGER CONFIDENCE IS KEY TO ENSURING CONSISTENT AGE-INCLUSION IN UK BUSINESSES
Posted on 28th July 2026
Employers are being urged to provide more support to managers leading multigenerational teams, as new research suggests that many organisations do not have a clear approach to age inclusion.
CIPD COMMENT ON THE DWP ANNOUNCEMENT ON YOUNG PEOPLE AND APPRENTICESHIPS
Posted on 28th July 2026
Commenting on the DWP announcement on young people and apprenticeships, Lizzie Crowley, Senior Policy Advisor ‑ Skills at the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, said: "We welcome the additional support to help more young people access apprenticeships, in particular the new bursary which will help remove an important financial barrier for disabled young people.
WINNING TEAMS START WITH A WINNING HIRING STRATEGY
Posted on 8th July 2026
Whether it’s the World Cup, the Olympics or any championship-winning team, success rarely comes down to individual talent alone. The best teams share a clear strategy, understand their roles and work towards a common goal. Recruitment is no different. When hiring managers, internal stakeholders and your recruitment partner are aligned, the result is a smoother hiring process, a stronger candidate experience and better long-term hires. Here are five ways to build a winning recruitment team—and five common mistakes that can stop you reaching your goals.
OFFICE WORKERS WANT CLOSER CONNECTIONS AT WORK
Posted on 25th June 2026
Workers aren’t looking for less interaction with their colleagues—they’re looking for more. New US/UK research from Kahoot! finds that 56% of US and 43% of UK employees surveyed wish they had closer connections with their coworkers, with 39% of US and 40% of UK respondents report feeling lonely at work.
UK FIRMS EMBRACE AI BOOM, BUT BOSSES LACK TRAINING TO DELIVER IT
Posted on 25th June 2026
The UK’s ambitions to become a global leader in artificial intelligence risk being held back by a shortage of managers and leaders with the skills and confidence to turn investment in AI into higher productivity, stronger businesses and economic growth, according to new research from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
HOW EMPLOYERS CAN PREPARE FOR THE WORLD CUP 2026
Posted on 25th June 2026
David D’Souza, director of profession at the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, said: “The World Cup is the largest football event in the world and, inevitably, many people may be planning to watch from home, the pub, or may be travelling to attend games. The uniquely high level of interest means employers need to think about workforce flexibility and how accommodating they might choose to be for employees who want to watch matches.
JOB MARKET LARGELY HOLDS UP DESPITE ONGOING PRESSURES ON EMPLOYERS
Posted on 25th June 2026
The number of new and existing UK job postings held broadly steady in May 2026, according to the latest Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) monthly Labour Market Tracker. This highlights the resilience of the UK labour market against the backdrop of ongoing political uncertainty, legislative changes and Gulf tensions. With a US-Iran ceasefire deal on the table, firms might have more confidence to push ahead with hiring. But any acceleration in recruitment is likely to be gradual. Ongoing political uncertainty in the UK, an unwieldy Employment Rights Act and higher business and employment costs this year, are likely to limit the pace of expansion without clearer signals on where domestic growth is coming from.
UK EMPLOYEES SPEND NEARLY A FULL WORK DAY EACH WEEK MANAGING DISCONNECTED AI TOOLS
Posted on 25th May 2026
Workday, the enterprise AI platform for managing people, money, and agents, has released new research showing UK employees are losing nearly a full work day each week switching between disconnected AI tools and systems. The research found that one in four UK workers spend seven or more hours a week copying information between applications, reconciling conflicting data and manually feeding context into AI tools.
Employers should consider flexibility and adjustments as temperatures soar, says the CIPD
Posted on 25th May 2026
In response to high temperatures expected across the country, David D’Souza, Director of the Profession for the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, said: “With heat warnings in place and high temperatures set to continue into the working week, employers should think ahead to consider the working conditions for their people. Early planning can support wellbeing and help maintain productivity. Sustained hot weather can have a real impact, particularly for employees in safety-critical roles or for those with underlying health conditions, where heat can lead to fatigue and reduced concentration.
DEFUNDING MANAGEMENT SKILLS IS THE ACHILLES HEEL OF THE UK’S PRODUCTIVITY AND AI AMBITIONS
Posted on 25th May 2026
Responding to the keynote speech by CBI Chair Cressida Hogg at the Cumbria Business Dinner, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) has warned that the government’s current trajectory on the Growth and Skills Levy risks further disengagement from employers by stripping away support for vital management and leadership training.
PAY TRANSPARENCY IS NOW A ‘DEALBREAKER’ FOR UK WORKERS, SD WORX FINDS
Posted on 25th May 2026
Pay transparency has moved from a “nice to have” to a deciding factor for UK workers, with new research from SD Worx finding that 72% of UK employees say pay transparency is important or very important in their decision to stay with or join an organisation.
BIG MOVES, BIGGER OPPORTUNITIES WHY OUR NEW OFFICE MARKS AN EXCITING NEW CHAPTER
Posted on 17th May 2026
Growth is always worth celebrating — especially when it reflects the strength of the relationships, reputation and results that a business has built over time. For us at Netbox Recruitment, moving to a brand-new office is far more than simply changing location; it represents an exciting milestone in the our journey and a bold step towards the future! From being even better connected with local businesses and jobseekers to creating more opportunities for collaboration, visibility and growth, the move highlights the continued success of a recruitment agency that has become a trusted name across the region.
CO-WORKERS, RESULTS AND RECOGNITION BOOST EMPLOYEE HAPPINESS
Posted on 28th April 2026
A survey of 2,000 employed UK adults, commissioned by HR, payroll and benefits software provider Ciphr, has found that most (88%) can name at least one thing about their job that makes them feel happy. The average across all employees is five things. For many, the social relationships they have with others are often the biggest contributors to their happiness. At home that’s their family and friends, and at work it’s the people – their co-workers, teams and managers – they work with.
RECRUITERS WARN OF A ‘CLONING CRISIS’ AS AI STRIPS CVS OF PERSONALITY
Posted on 28th April 2026
AI is transforming how Brits apply for jobs – but it’s making it harder than ever to stand out and display their individuality. According to new research from CV-Library, one of the UK’s largest job boards, recruiters are complaining that CVs look more identical than ever before, making it harder to spot quality talent.
MARCH LABOUR MARKET SAW IMPROVEMENT DESPITE HEADWINDS
Posted on 28th April 2026
A bigger than expected bounce in pre-Easter hiring has helped to push the number of job postings above 1.6 million, according to the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) Labour Market Tracker. The number of active job postings in March 2026 was up 5.6% in comparison to February 2026 (which had 1,530,172 active job postings). Active job postings were also up by 5.1% last month when compared to March 2025.
8 IN 10 WORKERS HAVE EXPERIENCED ABUSE AT WORK IN PAST YEAR
Posted on 28th April 2026
A new survey published by the TUC shows 8 in 10 surveyed workers have experienced some form of abuse at work in the last year. The findings, based on a survey of 5,004 workers, show that in the last 12 months: 1 in 5 (19.4%) have experienced physical assault, 1 in 10 (9.9%) have experienced sexual harassment or sexual violence at work, 8 in 10 (79.1%) have experienced verbal abuse such as shouting, insults or threats at work, and 4 in 10 (44.9%) have experienced threats of physical harm.
SEEDS TO SUCCESS, IS YOUR HIRING STRATEGY BUILT TO GROW?
Posted on 12th April 2026
As the UK steps into spring and gardens begin to flourish, it’s a natural time to reflect on growth—not just in nature, but in business too. Building a successful team mirrors the care and attention required to nurture a thriving garden, from selecting the right talent to supporting long-term development. Our top ten tips show how effective it can be to view hiring, onboarding, and leadership through this lens. By approaching people strategy like cultivation, organisations can create the conditions for lasting growth.
ONLY 53% OF EMPLOYEES MAKE USE OF WORKPLACE BENEFITS
Posted on 23rd March 2026
Only 53% of UK workers fully understand the workplace benefits available to them, meaning millions could be overlooking valuable perks that they are entitled to.
£28 BILLION IN UNPAID OVERTIME!
Posted on 23rd March 2026
New analysis published by the TUC for Work Your Proper Hours Day shows that UK workers put in £28.5 billion in unpaid overtime in 2025. This represents a modest improvement from 2024, when unpaid overtime put in by UK workers amounted to close to £31 billion.
YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT SOARS TO 11 YEAR HIGH
Posted on 23rd March 2026
Responding to ONS labour market figures, James Cockett, senior labour market economist for the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, comments “Unemployment among 18-24-year-olds, has hit its highest rate since 2015 as the jobs market becomes increasingly challenging for young people. Nearly 600,000 18–24-year-olds are out of work but looking for work, a huge waste of their potential. This is ahead of the significant uplift to the youth minimum wage rates, coming into effect in just two weeks’ time, further raising the costs of employing young people.
TWO-THIRDS OF LEADERS VIEW HR AS KEY BUSINESS DRIVER
Posted on 23rd March 2026
Human resources has firmly entered the strategic spotlight with 65% of senior leaders now viewing HR as a key business enabler, driving transformation and value creation. Organizations with stronger HR capabilities report lower turnover and cut the time to fill critical roles by roughly 17-18 days on average compared to peers. Leading CHROs are partnering directly with CEOs to steer enterprise strategy and support business leaders in execution to create outsized returns.
FLEXIBILITY NEEDED TO DRIVE GROWTH
Posted on 17th February 2026
Responding to the government’s two announcements on reforms to apprenticeships, Shazia Ejaz, Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) Campaigns Director, said “Making it easier for employers to update apprenticeships is a welcome change. A faster approval process, so long as it maintains quality, will cut red tape, creating more opportunities for workers and enabling employers to meet changing skills needs.
RISING UNEMPLOYMENT HITTING THE PROSPECTS OF YOUNG PEOPLE
Posted on 17th February 2026
Responding to recent ONS labour market figures, James Cockett, senior labour market economist for the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, comments “Unemployment has risen further and young people are bearing the brunt, with the unemployment rate among 18-24 year olds reaching its highest level since 2020. This is ahead of the significant uplift to the youth minimum wage rates, set to come into effect from April, further raising the costs of employing young people.
RESEARCH REVEALS THE SACRIFICES MADE BY SME LEADERS
Posted on 15th February 2026
New research commissioned by Employment Hero, surveying 1,047 UK business leaders, reveals that running a business is truly a labour of love. Despite significant personal sacrifices, 85% of SME leaders say that if given the chance to turn back the clock, they would do it all over again. The findings highlight the personal cost of entrepreneurship. Almost all SME leaders (94%) say they have made sacrifices because of their business. Two in three (67%) report sacrificing time for themselves, while over half (55%) say they have sacrificed time with their partner.
APPRENTICE JOB MARKET FLOURISHES
Posted on 15th February 2026
While recent official statistics have painted a pessimistic picture of the labour market for young workers, with 16- to 24-year-olds the greatest affected by increases in unemployment, research undertaken by IDR (incomesdataresearch.co.uk) reveals a more buoyant labour market for apprentices. Over a fifth (22%) of respondents to the research organisation’s latest survey of pay for graduates and apprentices report that their intake of apprentices was higher this academic year when compared to the previous 12 months. Meanwhile around two-fifths feel that their apprentice numbers will increase in the coming year and just 7% believe they will see a decrease in numbers for these roles.
WHY WORK WITH NETBOX FINANCE RECRUITMENT?
Posted on 10th February 2026
At Netbox Finance Recruitment, we believe successful hiring starts with strong partnerships. We take the time to understand your business, your people, and your long-term goals, ensuring every hire is aligned with your wider strategy. Our dedicated finance recruitment specialists bring genuine industry insight and a consultative approach, offering thoughtful guidance rather than a transactional service. You benefit from expert market knowledge, honest advice, and access to high-calibre finance professionals who can add lasting value. Alongside this, you experience the trusted Netbox red carpet service — a tailored, attentive, and seamless recruitment journey built around your needs. As businesses look ahead to 2026, now is the right time to strengthen finance teams with fresh thinking and proven expertise. Netbox Finance Recruitment is here to support you as a long-term partner, helping you build resilient, high-performing finance functions for the future.
WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH REMOTE WORKING NOW?
Posted on 10th February 2026
Remote working isn’t a simple yes/no dilemma anymore, it’s a spectrum being pulled in two directions at once. On one hand, candidates still actively seek remote and hybrid roles, and flexibility continues to influence talent attraction and retention. On the other hand, the supply of fully remote vacancies is undoubtedly shrinking, with many employers tightening ‘hybrid working’ into set office-day minimums, and a growing share of organisations are reasserting on-site expectations. Read on for the latest trends we’re seeing in remote working as part of hiring frameworks.
WORKERS ARE TRAINING FOR THE FUTURE
Posted on 28th January 2026
Indeed analyzed job posting data from the their Hiring Lab alongside employee upskilling trends from Udemy Business enterprise customers across four major economies—Australia, India, the UK, and the US—between September 2023 and September 2025. Together, these datasets provided a rare, side-by-side view of where employer demand is today and where workers believe opportunity is headed.
OVER A THIRD OF BRITS ADMIT RARELY LEAVE THE OFFICE DURING THE WORKING DAY
Posted on 25th January 2026
New research from Three UK reveals that over a third (35%) of British workers rarely leave the office during a working day, as half (49%) say the only thing that pulls them away from their desk is a loo break.
OVER HALF OF GEN Z DEPEND ON AI AT WORK, YET ONE IN FIVE FEAR IT WILL REPLACE THEM
Posted on 25th January 2026
Britain’s youngest professionals are turning to Artificial Intelligence to act as a stand-in manager, career coach, and CV writer. This is despite worrying that AI could soon make their roles obsolete, according to the largest survey of the newest generation of UK office workers (aged 21-25) in 2025.
DON’T LEAVE YOUNG WORKERS’ FUTURES TO ‘ACCIDENTAL MANAGERS’
Posted on 25th January 2026
Leading UK bosses are warning that any reductions in funding for management training will make it harder to solve the UK’s youth unemployment crisis. They argue that if we want young people to get - and keep - jobs, we need trained managers to mentor and support them.
NETBOX FINANCE RECRUITMENT SENIOR & QUALIFIED FINANCIAL HIRING FOR 2026
Posted on 18th January 2026
We’re excited to announce the launch of Netbox Finance Recruitment, our specialist division focused on sourcing and securing qualified and senior-level finance professionals. We partner with organisations to deliver high-impact hires across technical, managerial and executive level finance roles, supporting strategic growth and financial performance. By combining a proven recruitment methodology with deep financial market insight, we provide access to high-calibre talent, precise candidate alignment, and a consultative approach built around long-term value. For businesses seeking experienced finance professionals who drive results, Netbox Financial Recruitment delivers senior finance hiring with confidence and precision.
THE BIGGEST HIRING STRATEGY TRENDS FOR 2026
Posted on 17th January 2026
At Netbox Recruitment, we’re seeing clear shifts in how businesses are planning and executing their hiring strategies heading into 2026. Economic uncertainty, rapid technological change and evolving workforce expectations are reshaping not just who businesses hire, but how and why they hire. Our top ten hiring trends highlight the forces most likely to influence workforce decisions in 2026 and outline the strategic considerations businesses must address to secure the skills and capabilities they need for growth.5
