Recruitment Benchmarking Report 2026 - Q2 Results

Partner Insight from TRN Partner Recruitment Accountants 

The Recruitment Benchmarking Report 2026 - Q2 Results gives recruitment business owners a clear view of how the sector is performing financially and where the biggest commercial pressures remain. 

Based on data from 84 UK recruitment agencies, the report benchmarks wages, overheads and EBITDA against the 60:20:20 operating model, alongside trends in permanent and temporary recruitment income, finance costs and wider market conditions. It shows that while H1 2026 improved on 2025, profitability remains well below benchmark, with wages and overheads continuing to put pressure on margins.

The report also looks at where leaders should focus next, including consultant productivity, technology ROI, service diversification, funding arrangements, cost control and scenario planning. It provides practical context for recruitment businesses looking to strengthen profitability, improve operational effectiveness and build greater resilience through the rest of 2026.