The UK Further Education (FE) sector, particularly at management and senior levels, is currently facing a significant slowdown in hiring. This is due to a combination of structural changes within the sector and broader economic pressures. Understanding the context, and taking a strategic and measured approach to your job search, is key to staying competitive and maintaining motivation during what may be a longer-than-expected transition period.

The Broader Labour Market Context

The UK job market is showing signs of weakening, with employer confidence dropping and vacancy levels steadily declining. This is particularly noticeable in public sector roles, which include many areas of the FE and skills sector.

Key Trends:

• Employer Confidence: The net employment balance — a key measure of employer confidence — is at its lowest since 2020. A growing number of organisations are planning redundancies and fewer expect to expand their workforce.
• Vacancy Levels: Job vacancies have been falling for several consecutive months. While still above pre-pandemic levels, this decline clearly indicates reduced demand for new hires.
• Unemployment: The UK unemployment rate has risen to 4.5%, following a period of relative stability.
• Wage Growth: Nominal wages are growing at 5.6% excluding bonuses, but when adjusted for inflation, real wage growth stands at 2.6%.
• Inactivity: Encouragingly, the number of economically inactive people is falling, suggesting that more individuals are re-engaging with the workforce.
• Sector and Regional Differences: Sectors such as retail, hospitality, and healthcare have seen some of the sharpest declines in permanent job opportunities. All English regions have reported declines in permanent staff appointments, with the South of England seeing the steepest drop.
• Data Reliability: The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has made adjustments to its Labour Force Survey data to ensure better alignment with population estimates. While this adds clarity, it also highlights the complexity of interpreting market data.

Challenges Specific to the FE Sector

In addition to national economic trends, the FE and skills sector is grappling with:

• Ongoing uncertainty around government funding and commissioning responsibilities (central vs devolved)
• Delays in policy clarity following changes at the DfE and ESFA, and the launch of Skills England
• The impact of the National Insurance hike earlier in the year
• Slowdown in apprenticeship starts over the last 12–18 months
• Consolidation through trade acquisitions, leading to centralised senior leadership structures

These factors are contributing to the “flat” market many are experiencing at senior levels within the sector.

Recommendations for a Smart Job Search

1. Avoid Constant Scanning of Job Boards and Social Media

Endless scrolling can drain morale and energy. Instead:

• Set up targeted job alerts on key platforms
• Allocate specific times each week to review new opportunities
• Use downtime to upskill or reflect on career goals

2. Stay in Touch with Trusted Recruiters

• Schedule regular check-ins (every 2–3 weeks) with specialist recruiters for market intelligence and updates
• Use recruiters to help verify whether roles are genuine — avoid applying for generic or vague posts that may be harvesting data

3. Ask the Right Questions When Approached About a Role

• Confirm whether there are internal candidates already under consideration
• Understand why the position is being externally advertised
• This can inform how you approach the application or whether you should proceed at all

4. Be Cautious With CV Advice and Tools

• Avoid overusing AI to write your CV — while it’s fine to check grammar and spelling, your career history should sound like you
• Focus on clarity, results, and authenticity
• Include metrics and outcomes relevant to the FE sector
• Use trusted sources for CV advice, such as:
  • National Careers Service CV Help
  • Prospects.ac.uk CV Advice

5. Prioritise Phone Calls Over Messages

• If you’re not in an active process, don’t rely on LinkedIn messages or emails
• A phone call to a recruiter is more likely to lead to meaningful insight and a stronger connection

Don’t Neglect Your Wellbeing

Job searching in a slow market can be exhausting. Protect your mental and emotional energy:

• Build regular breaks into your schedule
• Pursue non-career-related interests and hobbies to maintain perspective
• Spend time with people who understand the sector and can offer encouragement

A helpful perspective from The Conversation reinforces the importance of rest, humour, and detachment during long periods of career transition.

Final Thoughts

The job market is in flux, and in sectors like Further Education, uncertainty may linger longer. However, by focusing on strategy over volume, and clarity over quantity, professionals can still find opportunities aligned with their skills and values.

Continue to invest in relationships with trusted recruiters, ensure your CV reflects your authentic strengths, and be realistic — but also open — about what the next step in your career might look like.