New iCIMS Data Reveals Younger Workers in EMEA are Dominating the Job Market

Report highlights renewed momentum for employers and candidates in the EMEA labour market ​

London [Feb. 19] – iCIMS, a leading talent acquisition technology provider, today published the iCIMS Insights February Workforce Report: EMEA Spotlight, exploring key workforce data trends shaping hiring and application activity within the region. After months of economic and political uncertainty and shifting market dynamics, iCIMS data reveals that 2025 is kicking off with renewed momentum for employers and candidates, largely steered by younger workers.

Informed by iCIMS’ proprietary platform, the report suggests that the EMEA region is embracing a more hopeful trajectory, proving the employment landscape may not be as bleak as it has appeared recently. Job openings and hires in EMEA are up 31% and 18%, respectively, since January 2024. Coupled with application activity in the region surging 29% in the same period, the labour market is signalling increased enthusiasm for new opportunities among candidates. This is particularly evident among young workers, as 18-to-24-year-olds dominate the job market, comprising much of the applicant pool across France and the United Kingdom.

“As the labour market in EMEA regains momentum, employers continue to face challenges and opportunities,” said Matthew Sharp, SVP of go-to-market and general manager, EMEA, iCIMS. “While the data shows positive indicators of confidence returning to hiring, caution amongst employers and candidates alike remains. Organisations must adapt their hiring strategies to align with market trends, better position themselves against the current headwinds and compete for talent to drive long-term success.”

Additional global trends from the iCIMS Insights February Workforce Report: EMEA Spotlight include:

• Younger workers are on the rise: In France, the 18 to 24 age bracket accounted for 66% of the applicant pool, and 84% of candidates were under 35. In the U.K., the 18-to-24 age bracket accounted for 50% of the applicant pool. However, more experienced workers have maintained a presence in the U.K., with 25% of candidates in the 35-to-54 age bracket.
• The U.K. job market continues to face challenges: Despite EMEA’s overall signs of recovery, hiring activity in the U.K. is down 3% since January 2024. However, U.K. employers and candidates are keeping their eyes open, with openings and applications up 4% and 17%, respectively, year over year.
• To apply or not to apply: EMEA is seeing variation in applicant engagement, with 30% of sessions on career sites in France producing a completed application, a higher rate than the EMEA average of 20%.​ Yet, in the U.K., less than one-fifth of sessions converted to a completed application, indicating candidates might be more cautious about their job search amid economic uncertainty and heightened competition for work

For more insights on the key workforce trends and a closer look at job seeker and recruiter activity around the globe, download the iCIMS Insights February Workforce Report: EMEA Spotlight.