Hiring intentions in the UK’s financial services sector are on the rise, with 46% of firms planning to expand their permanent workforce by summer, up 7% from H2 last year, according to a survey from Robert Half.

The research also found that project-specific resources also look set to be in growing demand in the coming months as employers seek to bring in the financial services skills they need without incurring additional long-term costs through NICs (National Insurance Contributions) increases. 

Demand for project-based specialists is also growing, with 42% of employers set to boost temporary hiring in early 2025, also up 7% in the second half of last year.

In addition, the number of those planning to freeze project hiring has decreased by 10% in the same time frame, suggesting a growing optimism.

“It’s encouraging to see hiring in the financial services space begin to recover following what has been an incredibly tough market,” Salima Izagaren, talent director at Robert Half, said in a press release. “However, while this is certainly positive news for highly skilled professionals in the specialism, employers will face a tough time attracting these individuals as the impact of skills shortages continues to be felt.”

“Our data showed that 71% of businesses are concerned as to their ability to find qualified candidates in financial services,” Izagaren added. “Firms will need a robust recruitment package to convince the best talent to move in the months ahead.”