Q1 started strong.
Jobs were moving. Confidence was back.
But over the past few weeks… things have shifted.
We’re now seeing more candidates in the market than live roles – particularly across supply chain & logistics.
Why?
A big factor is the ongoing challenges in the Middle East.
• Disruption to key shipping routes and air freight capacity
• Rising fuel and transport costs
• Delays, re-routing and longer lead times
• Businesses becoming more cautious with hiring
Global supply chains are feeling it – with bottlenecks, shortages, and cost pressures all feeding into slower decision-making.
We’re also seeing:
• Hiring delays and projects being paused
• Increased competition for each role
• Clients focusing on essential hires only
Even major recruiters are reporting uncertainty, with geopolitical tensions impacting hiring confidence and reducing recruitment activity in affected regions.
So what does that mean?
• For candidates – it’s a more competitive market again
• For employers – there’s a stronger talent pool available right now
• For both – speed and clarity in hiring decisions matter more than ever
This isn’t a crash… it’s a shift.
And like always in recruitment – those who adapt quickest will benefit most.