Hiring in 2026: An uphill battle or a hidden opportunity?

“I look at what recruitment is. Nowadays, for me, it's so much more professional and consultative than it was 20 years ago, and I largely place that down to the kind of technology we have today.”

— James Vizor, Director, RULE Recruitment. 

Catch James Vizor and Chantelle Jones, experts with extensive experience in the field, engage in an interesting panel discussion with Recruit CRM.

We covered everything, from a real and in-depth analysis of the hiring challenges to the opportunities UK businesses are likely to encounter in 2025. 

Here are some key takeaways: 

• Talent expectations have shifted, with a greater emphasis on remote and hybrid work options and competitive salaries. Businesses should benchmark salaries and prioritize employee well-being to attract and retain diverse talent.
• Diversity and inclusion should be a priority in recruitment strategies to appeal to a wider market and benefit from diverse perspectives. 
• “The return to office” debate is a big part of candidates' changing talent expectations. Recruiters must deal with it in a way that is good for their people, their development, and your brand.

Get to know our panelists 

1. James Vizor

Since 2004, James(opens in a new tab) has been the go-to guy in the R2R market, placing candidates in over 500 agencies worldwide. While London is his main stage, he's also made waves in the USA, Asia, Europe, and Australia. 

As a Director at RULE Recruitment(opens in a new tab), he matches the industry with talent, from fresh grads to top execs.

2. Chantelle Jones

With 13 years in the game, Chantelle(opens in a new tab) is a top-notch people and talent pro. She's transformed recruitment, coached talent leaders, and built teams across sectors. 

Currently pioneering NashSquared's Spinks on Site, she bagged a bronze for RPO Team of the Year and is a sought-after speaker and published expert.

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Curious about the full story? Catch the full conversation here: