[HighlandSpring]

The recession(s) are fucking different demographics in different ways.

One thing that's certainly happening in London is that there's hundreds of entry-level candidates fighting for only a handful of openings.

The industry has generally become more risk-averse. Hiring less experienced people is now extra risky, as it is a bet that they'll generate some value for the company before moving on for a higher salary elsewhere. Hiring juniors is a great long-term move, especially in a 0% rates landscape and when VC funding is plentiful but if you only have 12 months cash it's pretty hopeful.

This budget is now being used to hire safer, more predictable hires: seniors (know what you're getting into) and contractors (can cut them with 28 days notice or even less, no employment contract to complicate things)