Labour Market Overview: UK Defence, Aerospace, Space & Nuclear Industries Show Signs of Hiring Stability Amid Economic Headwinds
Jake Appleton • July 1, 2025
Modest growth in job postings, despite dip in active vacancies
The UK labour market saw modest movement in May 2025, with 726,084 new job postings recorded – a 0.3% increase on April's figures. However, the total number of active vacancies dipped by 1.8%, to 1,440,792, as older listings expired. While this shift signals a maturing phase in the broader hiring cycle, the data reflects a sector-specific resilience that is particularly relevant for high-value, strategically critical industries like Defence, Aerospace, Space Research, and Nuclear.
According to the latest Labour Market Tracker from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and Lightcast, there is cautious optimism underpinning hiring efforts across the UK – particularly in Scotland (9.2%) and the South West (4.7%), where job postings saw the most notable regional increases. These growth areas include key hubs for advanced manufacturing, defence technology development, nuclear engineering, and aerospace R&D – all sectors aligned with the UK’s long-term security and innovation agenda.
Market conditions set the stage for strategic investment.
With the UK past its interest rate peak, holding a stable geopolitical climate, and showing progress on international trade alignment, industries operating in defence and advanced technologies are well-positioned to take advantage of medium- to long-term growth opportunities. We are beginning to see promising movements in industrial strategy and the growth of new tier 1 and 2 contractors creating an outpouring of opportunity within the UK jobs market.
For defence, space and nuclear employers, the coming months will be pivotal. As infrastructure investments and industrial strategy announcements unfold, the emphasis must be on creating conditions that support sustainable hiring in sectors fundamental to both national security and technological sovereignty. The modest uptick in new postings, combined with targeted regional growth, offers a tentative signal of momentum, but the true test lies in how effectively policy aligns with the needs of strategic industries in the months ahead.
Looking for recruitment support in a challenging hiring market?
Meritus delivers expert-led technical recruitment solutions tailored to the aerospace, defence and space industries. Whether you're scaling up project teams or seeking niche talent, our team is ready to provide professional staffing solutions that align with your hiring goals.
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Meritus Talent, as part of the Recolution Recruitment Group, has been awarded Level 2 Disability Confident Employer status through the Disability Confident initiative. This accreditation sits firmly under the first pillar of our CSR strategy: People & Inclusion – Creating Opportunity for All . Operating within aerospace, defence and advanced engineering, we understand the value of highly skilled individuals who think differently, solve complex problems, and drive innovation. Inclusive recruitment is not simply a moral imperative, it is a strategic one. By removing barriers and ensuring fair access to opportunity, we strengthen both businesses and careers. The accreditation also marks the launch of our Open Doors Pledge , a clear commitment to championing inclusive hiring practices across our own operations and within the organisations we support. We are not simply opening doors. We are holding them open. We will continue to evolve our processes, challenge outdated thinking, and support our clients in building accessible, future ready workforces.
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In secure, highly regulated industries, candidate experience often gets overlooked in favour of compliance, clearances, or process. That’s a mistake. The hiring experience you provide is directly linked to the quality of candidate you attract and retain. With skilled professionals in these sectors in increasingly short supply, your interview process is not just a formality, it's part of your reputation. Nearly 60% of professionals have experienced a poor recruitment process, with almost half turning down offers as a result. In industries where trust, clarity, and professionalism are expected from day one, that number is simply too high. At Meritus, we specialise in placing technical, security-cleared professionals across the aerospace, defence, and space sectors. We know that in this market, the details matter. Poorly managed processes cost credibility. Delays cost hires. In this blog, we will show you how to deliver a positive, professional candidate experience that reflects your business standards and helps you stand out in a competitive, high-spec talent market. We will cover four key stages in your recruitment process: Rework job descriptions Create a respectful interview experience Make it easy to apply Follow up promptly 1. Rework Job Descriptions Your job description is more than an HR document. In defence and aerospace, it acts as a signal. It tells candidates whether your business is serious, structured, and clear in its expectations. Go beyond task lists. Describe the project, the wider mission, and what this hire is expected to achieve. Include technical scope, required certifications, clearance level, and the purpose of the role within your organisation. Be transparent about salary bands and benefits. Many candidates turn down offers due to misalignment around compensation. Avoid wasting time by setting expectations early. Accuracy is critical. Misleading job descriptions, whether intentionally or not, risk reputational damage within small, close-knit candidate networks. Be precise, realistic, and internally aligned before going to market. 2. Create a Respectful Interview Experience 42% of candidates withdraw after a poor interview experience. In security-focused industries, the bar is higher. Professionalism, clarity, and structure are non-negotiable. Interviews should run to time. Avoid long delays between stages or unnecessary interview rounds. Be clear about how much time will be required, especially if candidates are currently engaged on secure projects and need to take leave or travel. Provide interview details in advance. Share names, roles, and locations. If assessments or presentations are required, give candidates a clear brief, timeline, and point of contact. If an interview is on site, ensure they are aware of access requirements and documentation needed for entry. These steps reduce friction and show the candidate that your internal operations are reliable. That goes a long way in this sector. 3. Make It Easy to Apply A clunky application process is a red flag to technical candidates. They will not waste time with systems that are not user-friendly, especially when they have multiple opportunities available elsewhere. Keep your careers page visible, simple, and functional. Allow CV or LinkedIn uploads. Do not force candidates to register an account or input the same information repeatedly. Your application process should be mobile-friendly. It should also allow for secure uploads of CVs, portfolios, or security documentation if required. Be mindful of file size limits. Many engineers and technical professionals will have large, detailed work samples or documentation to submit. Once submitted, confirm receipt with a personalised email. This shows attention to detail and prevents any doubt about whether their application was received properly. 4. Follow Up Promptly In fast-moving hiring environments, silence can cost you the hire. Insecure or unclear communication leads to drop-offs. That risk is amplified in sectors where professionals are often working on fixed contracts or are bound by complex notice periods. Respond to applications within 48 hours where possible. Even if the process takes time, acknowledging interest shows professionalism. Always personalise responses, especially for rejections. These individuals may be suitable for future roles or may have colleagues in their network who are. During interviews, acknowledge any follow-up emails or thank-you notes. It takes minimal effort to respond, but the impact on your brand perception is significant. Candidates who feel respected during the process are far more likely to accept an offer and to speak positively about your organisation in future. How We Can Help At Meritus, we support organisations across aerospace, defence, and space to hire with precision and professionalism. We ensure your processes reflect your standards, your brand, and your ambitions. From role scoping and brief reviews to candidate journey audits, we help our clients secure the technical talent they need without losing credibility along the way. Speak to the Aerospace, Defence, and Space recruitment specialists at Meritus. Call: +44(0) 2922 806 922 Email: info@meritustalent.com
