The UK job market saw a notable boost in February, with job vacancies growing at their fastest monthly pace in three years, according to figures released Monday by job search platform

Adzuna.

Vacancies were up 3.7% compared to January, driven mainly by increased hiring in graduate roles and the healthcare and nursing sectors. This marks a turnaround after several months of sluggish or flat growth in job postings.

Although job openings are still slightly lower than they were a year ago—with vacancies down 0.8% from February 2024—that annual drop is the smallest seen since July 2022.

Adzuna co-founder Andrew Hunter said the surge was unexpected given the broader economic backdrop, including disappointing GDP growth and ongoing inflation pressures.

In contrast, other indicators suggest a less rosy picture. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation reported a drop in staff demand for February, and just last week, the UK’s budget watchdog cut its 2025 growth forecast in half, now expecting only 1% growth.

Despite these concerns, salaries appear to be holding up. Hunter noted that advertised pay has been rising faster than inflation for ten consecutive months. In February, wages climbed over 7% year-on-year for the third month running.

“It’ll be interesting to see if this momentum holds in March,” Hunter added, “especially with upcoming changes to employer costs on the horizon.”

These changes include a hike in employers’ social security contributions and a nearly 7% rise in the minimum wage, both set to take effect in April under plans introduced by Finance Minister Rachel Reeves in her October budget. Photo by Phil Whitehouse, Wikimedia commons.