Our new Defence and Security Insights report is out today. If you work in defence, advanced engineering or national security, this is the one to read before you set your 2026 hiring plan.
The headline numbers
STEM demand is at its lowest point since COVID.
This is a rare moment in the market. Less competition for technical talent means smarter hiring opportunities for defence employers that move now.
Contractor expectations are shifting.
We surveyed more than 3,000 contractors across the sector. The report outlines what they value most in 2025 and how to keep the best people engaged.
Progress on diversity is real but slow.
We revisit the industry push toward 30 per cent female representation by 2030 and outline the actions that are actually making a difference.
What’s in the report?
The report is loaded with Defence & Security insights including:
- Spotlight on Salaries
- Contractor Rates
- The Impact of IR35
- ED&I
- Women in Defence
Why it matters
The sector is steady but cautious. Job volumes are only up around 1 per cent this year. That creates a window for employers to build capability at a better cost and with less competition. For teams delivering complex programmes, this is the time to get ahead.
Who this report is for
Leaders planning their 2026 resource strategy
- Hiring and HR teams managing technical talent pipelines
- Programme and project leads who rely on agile resource models
- Anyone focused on capability, cost control and delivery certainty
The insights are sharp and practical. No fluff. Just the market intelligence you need to plan with confidence.
