If you’ve been hiring (or trying to) over the past few months, you may have noticed things feel… a little different.
The York market is still active — but it’s definitely more considered than this time last year.
We’re seeing:
* Fewer roles being released
* More candidates actively exploring opportunities
* Longer, more cautious hiring processes
On the surface, that might sound like good news for employers.
More choice.
Less pressure.
Easier hiring.
But the reality isn’t quite that simple.
Because while candidate availability has increased, the best people are still selective — and they’re still being picked up quickly.
At the same time, we’re seeing:
* Higher application volumes (especially in admin/ops roles)
* More competition at entry level
* Continued skill gaps in specialist positions
So, what does this mean in practice?
It’s not an “easy” market — it’s a more balanced one.
The businesses seeing the best results right now are:
* Clear on what they actually need (beyond just the job spec)
* Moving at a sensible pace
* Focused on culture fit as much as capability
* Communicating well throughout the process
Because even in a softer market, hiring the right person still takes thought.
And getting it wrong still costs time, money and team energy.
If you’re planning to hire in the coming months, it’s a really good time to sense-check your approach.
The market has shifted — and your strategy may need to as well need to as well.