🧭 Quarterly Snapshot: Team News and Market Update!

As we move into the second half of the year, we’re seeing some significant shifts across the head office recruitment landscape in the North West. Whether you’re planning to hire permanent staff, bring in temporary cover, or onboard contractors for specialist projects, here’s what you need to know.

📣 Team News

Baby News!

You may remember our lovely Faye went on maternity leave, and we’re so happy to report she’s had a beautiful baby girl. Both mum and baby are healthy and enjoying bonding!

Meet Claire?

Claire has recently joined an online networking group called NetworkIn, they meet every other Friday morning at 7am online. The next meetings are 8th and 22nd August 2025. If you’d like to attend as a visitor completely free of charge as Claire’s guest, email claire@jfrecruitment.co.uk

Testimonial Tears

We received a lovely testimonial from Darren Jamieson after we helped his daughter find a temporary job for the summer. Brought Jo to tears, featured Jo and Darren presenting the accolade at an event.

Meet Jo?

Jo attends BNI Chester who meet every Thursday morning at Rowton Hall in Chester. She’s always looking to add to our list of trusted referral partners, so if you’d like to attend completely free as her visitor, email jo@jfrecruitment.co.uk

🧭 Quarterly Snapshot: What’s Happening in the Head Office Recruitment Market?

📈 Hiring Trends: Still Active, But Cautious

While recruitment activity remains healthy, particularly in professional services and tech, many businesses are approaching hiring with more scrutiny than this time last year.

Permanent hiring has slowed slightly due to budget caution, with more businesses choosing contract or temp solutions to manage headcount flexibility.
Project-based hiring is growing, especially in IT and compliance – short-term, outcome-driven engagements are increasingly popular.
Internal mobility and upskilling are on the rise as HR teams work to retain and develop existing talent.

👩‍💻 Role Demand by Function

Here’s where we’re seeing the strongest activity this quarter:

Function	Roles in Demand	Trend Insight
HR	HR Advisors, Talent Acquisition Partners	Focus on retention, internal hiring, DEI
IT	1st/2nd Line Support, Business Analysts	IT transformation + project rollouts
Accounts & Finance	Credit Controllers, Management Accountants	Pressure on cashflow, cost control
Admin & Office Support	Executive Assistants, Sales Admin	High demand but fewer quality candidates
Sales & Marketing	Digital Marketers, B2B Sales Executives	Demand for commercial growth and visibility
Insurance	Insurance Account Handlers, Underwriters	Sector is steady; client servicing and cross-selling remain key

⚠️ Candidate Shortages & Expectations

Candidate availability remains tight in key areas, especially:

Experienced finance staff (Part-qualified, AAT, and Management Accounting)
IT Support and Infrastructure
Digital Marketing generalists
High-level administrators and EAs

Additionally, candidate expectations continue to evolve:

Flexibility remains a deal-breaker – hybrid or remote options are highly sought.
Salary transparency is more important than ever in job ads and initial conversations.
Counteroffers are increasingly common – employers are working harder to retain their top people.

💷 Salary Movement Snapshot (North West Averages)

Role	Avg. Temp Rate	Avg. Perm Salary (mid-range)
HR Advisor	£18–22/hr	£32,000 – £38,000
IT Support (1st/2nd Line)	£20–25/hr	£28,000 – £35,000
Management Accountant	£22–30/hr	£42,000 – £50,000
Executive Assistant	£17–21/hr	£35,000 – £40,000
Digital Marketing Executive	£19–24/hr	£30,000 – £36,000
Insurance Account Handler	£18–23/hr	£30,000 – £36,000

Note: Rates can vary depending on sector, location (Manchester vs. wider North West), and contract length.

🔍 What This Means for Employers

Speed is critical: Good candidates are going off the market in days, not weeks. Slow hiring processes risk losing top talent.
Temp and contract talent is a smart buffer: For project spikes, absence cover, or budget-conscious hiring, it’s an efficient way to keep momentum.
Partnering with a specialist recruiter can streamline your process, provide market insight, and ensure cultural fit – especially in a competitive climate.

If you’re planning to hire , whether it’s a maternity cover, a full-time addition, or a short-term project role, we’re here to support you with up-to-date market knowledge, pre-vetted talent, and flexible recruitment solutions across the North West.

📞 Ready to talk?

Get in touch to discuss current availability or salary benchmarking for a specific role. 01516015288.

CANDIDATE SPOTLIGHT

Operational Manager – Wrexham – £35-40k

Team Leadership & Management
Sales & Customer Service Expert
Client Retention & Service Improvement
Account Strategy & Revenue Growth
Team Building, Leadership Development
Data Driven Insights

To hear more about our candidate contact Claire on 0151 601 5288 or email claire@jfrecruitment.co.uk

Last Three Vacancies Filled

Senior HR Advisor – Liverpool – £52k
Office Manager – Wirral – £35k
Service Operative – Wirral – £14.00p/hr.

Just for LOLS

Jobs of the Future (That Might Exist Sooner Than You Think…)

Emoji Translator
Because 😂 means different things in Tokyo and Toronto

🌱 Fun Fact
There’s a species of jellyfish that can live forever.
It resets its life cycle when under stress