Insights

Persistent Skills Shortages in a Slower Market

2025 - 2026

urban markets have the strongest demand for digital, corporate, and AI-related roles, while regional markets are experiencing shortages in healthcare, trades, and education

Market Insights & Recruitment Outlook

Data Snapshot: H1 2026 • Updated May 2026

Retrospective Dynamics (Last 6 Months)

61% Of employers cite a distinct lack of skilled applicants as their #1 hiring barrier.

~5.8% Of all active job postings now explicitly require AI-related skills.

Entrenched Talent Gaps Severe shortages persist across Tech & Digital, Healthcare, and Trades/Infrastructure.
AI Growth Curve Sudden and accelerated volume expansion of AI integration operational needs across multiple functional groups.

Forward Evolution (Next 6 Months)

Specialist Hyper-Concentration Total open market hiring demand will narrow intensely into strategic specialist and business transformation roles.
Rise of the "Skill Stack" The dominant assessment model transitions completely toward a hybrid blend of strict technical capability paired with human-centric skills.
White-Collar Entry Disruption Automation and rapid AI systems adoption are systematically redefining and reformatting the entry-level hiring floor.

Key Growth Sectors

Construction

Strong vacancy growth

Healthcare / Care

Structural, permanent demand

Tech & AI

Digital transformation core

Logistics / Supply

Steady systemic reliance

Geographic Structural Contrast

Urban Markets

Demand concentrates strictly at the high end for specialized digital infrastructure, corporate management, and AI architecture execution roles.

Regional Areas

Suffering acute, foundational talent gaps specifically localized within Healthcare, Trades/Infrastructure services, and Education.