The London Economy in 2026: What It Means for Executive Assistant Recruitment
As London enters 2026, its economy continues to evolve — steady, selective, and shaped by digital transformation. For Elite Office Professionals, understanding these economic shifts is essential. It allows us to better guide both our clients (hiring organisations) and our talented Executive Assistant (EA) candidates in a market where adaptability, digital capability, and strategic thinking are more valuable than ever.
London’s Economic Outlook — Slow but Steady Growth
According to the latest data from the Greater London Authority (GLA), London’s economy is forecast to grow by around 1.7% in 2026, slightly up from 1.6% in 2025. Workforce jobs are projected to rise by approximately 1.0%, reflecting cautious optimism among employers.
Household income growth is expected to moderate to around 1.4%, while spending rises just 2.4% — a sign of resilience amid higher costs of living.
What this means for EA hiring:
At Elite Office Professionals, we’re seeing clients in 2026 focus on quality over quantity. Companies are hiring selectively — investing in senior support roles that directly enable growth, transformation, and leadership effectiveness. EA positions are being viewed less as “administrative” and more as strategic business roles, supporting executives through change, digitalisation, and expansion.
The London Labour Market — Competitive but Evolving
London’s job market remains competitive, with high employment rates and ongoing demand in knowledge-intensive industries. However, job quality and structure are changing: hybrid work models, automation, and skill shifts continue to reshape how companies build their teams.
For EAs, this means a stronger focus on business partnering, digital fluency, and stakeholder management. The traditional “gatekeeper” EA is being replaced by the strategic enabler EA — someone who can manage complex workflows, technology platforms, and global teams.
At Elite Office Professionals, we help candidates position themselves for these evolving expectations. We also support clients in refining job descriptions to attract EAs who bring not only organisational skill but also business acumen and digital awareness.
Sector Trends — Finance, Tech, and Professional Services Lead the Way
London’s growth in 2026 is being driven by three key sectors:
Finance and FinTech: Hiring continues to rise, with growth in compliance, digital transformation, and AI-driven finance functions.
Technology: The demand for EAs who can support senior leaders in fast-paced, innovative environments remains high.
Professional Services: Consulting, legal, and accountancy firms are expanding hybrid workforces and seeking highly capable EAs to anchor executive teams.
For clients of Elite Office Professionals, this means access to top-tier EA talent who understand the pace, confidentiality, and complexity of these industries. For candidates, it means positioning themselves as tech-savvy, commercially aware, and transformation-ready.
The Regional Picture — London Still Leads, But Competition Is Rising
London remains the UK’s hub for knowledge-intensive work, representing nearly a quarter of all national employment in information, communication, and professional services. However, regional competition is increasing — with many firms now offering hybrid roles that blend London prestige with remote flexibility.
That’s why Elite Office Professionals advises clients to offer hybrid working models wherever possible. It not only attracts the best EA talent but also broadens access to experienced candidates who might otherwise look beyond the capital.