Global labour demand remained weak in the third quarter of 2026, with job postings falling year on year in seven of the 10 major markets tracked by Bain & Company.
The consultancy’s latest analysis also found declines in nine of 10 job functions, although AI-related job postings continued to rise sharply.
Japan, India and Canada were the only major markets to record growth, at 13%, 11% and 9% respectively. China saw the steepest fall, down 33%.
“The data highlights a mixed picture of global hiring demand: broad weakness alongside continued growth in AI-related roles.”
Bain & Company analysis
Engineering was the only job function to expand, up 4%. Research, design and development fell 19%, while sales and marketing both fell 17%.
Across industries, human resources and staffing and recruiting were the only sectors to register growth in job postings, rising 24% and 4% respectively. AI-related demand increased 9% quarter on quarter.
Read the full analysis from Bain & Company.
