Recruitment activity in the UK travel sector softened in May 2026, according to the latest Activity Index from C&M Travel Recruitment, as global uncertainty continued to weigh on hiring momentum.
The report showed a broad-based slowdown across candidates, vacancies and placements – marking the first time since June last year that all three indicators have declined on both a monthly and annual basis.
New candidate numbers edged lower in May, down 2% compared with May 2025 and falling a sharper 16% versus April 2026. While demand for travel roles remains present, the data suggests job seekers are becoming more cautious in a more volatile global environment.
Job vacancies also declined during the month, dropping 7% from April and down 26% year on year. The fall reflects more conservative hiring strategies from travel employers as they respond to ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
Placements saw the steepest decline, down 33% month on month and 41% compared with May 2025, underscoring the slowdown in completed hires across the sector.
Barbara Kolosinska, Co-Owner and Managing Director at C&M Travel Recruitment, said the market is being shaped by external pressures, noting that global events are increasingly influencing staffing decisions. She added that while forecasting remains difficult, there are tentative signs of stabilization ahead, though it is still too early to confirm a clear recovery trend.
Despite the downturn, she highlighted continued engagement from candidates actively exploring opportunities, particularly for roles offering strong packages and competitive salaries.
All data is based on new vacancies advertised through C&M Travel Recruitment, the UK’s largest specialist travel recruitment agency, founded in 1998.
