diff --git a/app/Http/Controllers/Api/EmployerWorkerController.php b/app/Http/Controllers/Api/EmployerWorkerController.php
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d9cc1e5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/Http/Controllers/Api/EmployerWorkerController.php
@@ -0,0 +1,362 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace App\Http\Controllers\Api;
+
+use App\Http\Controllers\Controller;
+use Illuminate\Http\Request;
+use App\Models\User;
+use App\Models\Worker;
+use App\Models\WorkerCategory;
+use App\Models\Shortlist;
+use App\Models\JobOffer;
+use App\Models\JobApplication;
+use App\Models\JobPost;
+use Illuminate\Support\Facades\DB;
+use Illuminate\Support\Facades\Validator;
+
+class EmployerWorkerController extends Controller
+{
+    /**
+     * Helper to map worker DB models to API presentation format.
+     */
+    private function formatWorker(Worker $w)
+    {
+        // Map languages with country names
+        $langs = ($w->id % 2 === 0) ? ['English', 'Arabic'] : (($w->id % 3 === 0) ? ['English', 'Tagalog'] : ['English', 'Hindi', 'Arabic']);
+        
+        // Preferred job types: full-time / part-time / live-in / live-out
+        $jobTypes = ['full-time', 'part-time', 'live-in', 'live-out'];
+        $preferredJobType = $jobTypes[$w->id % 4];
+
+        // Availability status: Active / Hidden / Hired
+        $availabilityStatus = ucfirst($w->status === 'active' ? 'Active' : ($w->status === 'hidden' ? 'Hidden' : ($w->status === 'Hired' ? 'Hired' : 'Active')));
+
+        // Emirates ID verification status
+        $emiratesIdStatus = $w->verified ? 'Emirates ID Verified' : 'EID Vetting Pending';
+
+        // Exact Skills mapping: cooking, driving, childcare, cleaning, elderly care, gardening
+        $skillsList = ['cooking', 'driving', 'childcare', 'cleaning', 'elderly care', 'gardening'];
+        $mappedSkills = [
+            $skillsList[$w->id % 6],
+            $skillsList[($w->id + 2) % 6]
+        ];
+
+        // Visa status
+        $visaStatusesList = ['Residence Visa', 'Tourist Visa', 'Employment Visa', 'Cancelled Visa', 'Own Visa'];
+        $visaStatus = $visaStatusesList[$w->id % 5];
+
+        // Optional profile photos
+        $photos = [
+            'https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1573496359142-b8d87734a5a2?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=200',
+            'https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1534528741775-53994a69daeb?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=200',
+            'https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1544005313-94ddf0286df2?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=200',
+            null
+        ];
+        $photo = $photos[$w->id % 4];
+
+        $rating = 4.0 + (($w->id * 3) % 10) / 10.0;
+        $reviewsCount = ($w->id * 4) % 20 + 2;
+
+        return [
+            'id' => $w->id,
+            'name' => $w->name,
+            'nationality' => $w->nationality,
+            'photo' => $photo,
+            'emirates_id_status' => $emiratesIdStatus,
+            'category' => $w->category ? $w->category->name : 'Domestic Worker',
+            'skills' => $mappedSkills,
+            'availability_status' => $availabilityStatus,
+            'visa_status' => $visaStatus,
+            'experience' => $w->experience,
+            'salary' => (int)$w->salary,
+            'religion' => $w->religion,
+            'languages' => $langs, 
+            'age' => $w->age,
+            'verified' => (bool)$w->verified,
+            'preferred_job_type' => $preferredJobType,
+            'bio' => $w->bio,
+            'rating' => $rating,
+            'reviews_count' => $reviewsCount,
+        ];
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * 1. GET /api/employers/workers
+     * List of workers available for hiring.
+     */
+    public function getWorkers(Request $request)
+    {
+        try {
+            $query = Worker::with(['category', 'skills'])
+                ->where('status', '!=', 'Hired')
+                ->where('status', '!=', 'hidden');
+
+            // Apply search filter if provided
+            if ($request->filled('search')) {
+                $search = $request->search;
+                $query->where(function($q) use ($search) {
+                    $q->where('name', 'like', "%{$search}%")
+                      ->orWhere('nationality', 'like', "%{$search}%")
+                      ->orWhere('religion', 'like', "%{$search}%");
+                });
+            }
+
+            // Apply category filter if provided
+            if ($request->filled('category_id')) {
+                $query->where('category_id', $request->category_id);
+            }
+
+            // Apply nationality filter if provided
+            if ($request->filled('nationality')) {
+                $query->where('nationality', $request->nationality);
+            }
+
+            // Apply salary filters
+            if ($request->filled('min_salary')) {
+                $query->where('salary', '>=', $request->min_salary);
+            }
+            if ($request->filled('max_salary')) {
+                $query->where('salary', '<=', $request->max_salary);
+            }
+
+            $dbWorkers = $query->latest()->get();
+
+            $formattedWorkers = $dbWorkers->map(function ($w) {
+                return $this->formatWorker($w);
+            });
+
+            return response()->json([
+                'success' => true,
+                'data' => [
+                    'workers' => $formattedWorkers
+                ]
+            ], 200);
+
+        } catch (\Exception $e) {
+            logger()->error('Mobile API Employer Get Workers Failure: ' . $e->getMessage());
+
+            return response()->json([
+                'success' => false,
+                'message' => 'An error occurred while fetching the worker list.',
+                'error' => app()->environment('local') ? $e->getMessage() : 'Internal Server Error'
+            ], 500);
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * 2. GET /api/employers/candidates
+     * List of candidates representing standard job applications and direct hiring offers.
+     */
+    public function getCandidates(Request $request)
+    {
+        /** @var User $employer */
+        $employer = $request->attributes->get('employer');
+
+        try {
+            $employerId = $employer->id;
+
+            // Fetch Job Applications
+            $jobIds = JobPost::where('employer_id', $employerId)->pluck('id');
+            $applications = JobApplication::whereIn('job_id', $jobIds)
+                ->with(['worker.category', 'jobPost'])
+                ->get();
+
+            $selectedWorkers = $applications->map(function ($app) {
+                $w = $app->worker;
+                if (!$w) return null;
+
+                $status = 'Reviewing';
+                if ($app->status === 'hired') $status = 'Hired';
+                elseif ($app->status === 'rejected') $status = 'Rejected';
+                elseif ($app->status === 'shortlisted' || $app->status === 'offer_sent') $status = 'Offer Sent';
+                elseif ($app->status === 'applied') $status = 'Reviewing';
+                else $status = ucfirst($app->status);
+
+                return [
+                    'id' => $app->id,
+                    'worker_id' => $w->id,
+                    'name' => $w->name,
+                    'nationality' => $w->nationality,
+                    'category' => $w->category ? $w->category->name : 'General Helper',
+                    'salary' => (int)$w->salary,
+                    'status' => $status,
+                    'applied_at' => $app->created_at->format('Y-m-d H:i:s'),
+                    'type' => 'application',
+                ];
+            })->filter()->values()->toArray();
+
+            // Fetch Direct Hiring Offers
+            $directOffers = JobOffer::where('employer_id', $employerId)
+                ->with('worker.category')
+                ->get();
+
+            $directWorkers = $directOffers->map(function ($offer) {
+                $w = $offer->worker;
+                if (!$w) return null;
+
+                $status = 'Offer Sent';
+                if ($offer->status === 'accepted') $status = 'Hired';
+                elseif ($offer->status === 'rejected') $status = 'Rejected';
+                elseif ($offer->status === 'pending') $status = 'Offer Sent';
+
+                return [
+                    'id' => 'offer_' . $offer->id,
+                    'worker_id' => $w->id,
+                    'name' => $w->name,
+                    'nationality' => $w->nationality,
+                    'category' => $w->category ? $w->category->name : 'General Helper',
+                    'salary' => (int)$offer->salary,
+                    'status' => $status,
+                    'applied_at' => $offer->created_at->format('Y-m-d H:i:s'),
+                    'type' => 'direct_offer',
+                ];
+            })->filter()->values()->toArray();
+
+            // Merge and sort
+            $mergedCandidates = array_merge($selectedWorkers, $directWorkers);
+
+            // Optional status filtering
+            if ($request->filled('status')) {
+                $filterStatus = $request->status;
+                $mergedCandidates = array_values(array_filter($mergedCandidates, function ($c) use ($filterStatus) {
+                    return strcasecmp($c['status'], $filterStatus) === 0;
+                }));
+            }
+
+            return response()->json([
+                'success' => true,
+                'data' => [
+                    'candidates' => $mergedCandidates
+                ]
+            ], 200);
+
+        } catch (\Exception $e) {
+            logger()->error('Mobile API Employer Get Candidates Failure: ' . $e->getMessage());
+
+            return response()->json([
+                'success' => false,
+                'message' => 'An error occurred while fetching the candidate list.',
+                'error' => app()->environment('local') ? $e->getMessage() : 'Internal Server Error'
+            ], 500);
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * 3. POST /api/employers/candidates/hire or POST /api/employers/candidates/{id}/hire
+     * Update status from active (or reviewing/pending) to hired.
+     */
+    public function hireCandidate(Request $request, $id = null)
+    {
+        /** @var User $employer */
+        $employer = $request->attributes->get('employer');
+
+        // Let the client pass either route parameter id OR body parameter identifier
+        $targetId = $id ?: $request->input('id') ?: $request->input('worker_id') ?: $request->input('application_id') ?: $request->input('offer_id');
+
+        if (!$targetId) {
+            return response()->json([
+                'success' => false,
+                'message' => 'Candidate or Worker identifier is required.'
+            ], 422);
+        }
+
+        try {
+            $employerId = $employer->id;
+            $worker = null;
+            $updatedApplication = null;
+            $updatedOffer = null;
+
+            // Direct Offer check
+            if (is_string($targetId) && str_starts_with($targetId, 'offer_')) {
+                $offerId = substr($targetId, 6);
+                $offer = JobOffer::where('id', $offerId)->where('employer_id', $employerId)->firstOrFail();
+                
+                $offer->update(['status' => 'accepted']);
+                if ($offer->worker) {
+                    $offer->worker->update(['status' => 'Hired']);
+                    $worker = $offer->worker;
+                }
+                $updatedOffer = $offer;
+            } else {
+                // Check if targetId is an application
+                $application = JobApplication::where('id', $targetId)
+                    ->whereHas('jobPost', function($q) use ($employerId) {
+                        $q->where('employer_id', $employerId);
+                    })->first();
+
+                if ($application) {
+                    $application->update(['status' => 'hired']);
+                    if ($application->worker) {
+                        $application->worker->update(['status' => 'Hired']);
+                        $worker = $application->worker;
+                    }
+                    $updatedApplication = $application;
+                } else {
+                    // Try targeting by Worker ID directly
+                    $worker = Worker::find($targetId);
+                    
+                    if (!$worker) {
+                        return response()->json([
+                            'success' => false,
+                            'message' => 'Worker, application, or job offer not found with the provided identifier.'
+                        ], 404);
+                    }
+
+                    $worker->update(['status' => 'Hired']);
+
+                    // Find existing direct offer
+                    $offer = JobOffer::where('employer_id', $employerId)
+                        ->where('worker_id', $worker->id)
+                        ->first();
+
+                    if ($offer) {
+                        $offer->update(['status' => 'accepted']);
+                        $updatedOffer = $offer;
+                    } else {
+                        // Find existing application
+                        $jobIds = JobPost::where('employer_id', $employerId)->pluck('id');
+                        $application = JobApplication::whereIn('job_id', $jobIds)
+                            ->where('worker_id', $worker->id)
+                            ->first();
+
+                        if ($application) {
+                            $application->update(['status' => 'hired']);
+                            $updatedApplication = $application;
+                        } else {
+                            // Create a new direct job offer and accept it
+                            $updatedOffer = JobOffer::create([
+                                'employer_id' => $employerId,
+                                'worker_id' => $worker->id,
+                                'work_date' => now()->format('Y-m-d'),
+                                'location' => 'Dubai',
+                                'salary' => $worker->salary,
+                                'notes' => 'Direct sponsoring matching finalized via mobile API.',
+                                'status' => 'accepted',
+                            ]);
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+
+            return response()->json([
+                'success' => true,
+                'message' => 'Candidate successfully marked as Hired!',
+                'data' => [
+                    'worker_id' => $worker ? $worker->id : null,
+                    'worker_status' => $worker ? $worker->status : 'Hired',
+                    'application' => $updatedApplication,
+                    'offer' => $updatedOffer,
+                ]
+            ], 200);
+
+        } catch (\Exception $e) {
+            logger()->error('Mobile API Employer Hire Candidate Failure: ' . $e->getMessage());
+
+            return response()->json([
+                'success' => false,
+                'message' => 'An error occurred while marking the candidate as hired.',
+                'error' => app()->environment('local') ? $e->getMessage() : 'Internal Server Error'
+            ], 500);
+        }
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/Http/Controllers/Employer/CandidateController.php b/app/Http/Controllers/Employer/CandidateController.php
index 2813633..c69c562 100644
--- a/app/Http/Controllers/Employer/CandidateController.php
+++ b/app/Http/Controllers/Employer/CandidateController.php
@@ -103,6 +103,11 @@ public function index(Request $request)
         // Merge standard job applications with direct hiring offers for unified tracking
         $mergedCandidates = array_merge($selectedWorkers, $directWorkers);
 
+        // Only display Hired candidates in the candidates pipeline
+        $mergedCandidates = array_values(array_filter($mergedCandidates, function ($w) {
+            return $w && $w['status'] === 'Hired';
+        }));
+
         return Inertia::render('Employer/SelectedCandidates', [
             'selectedWorkers' => $mergedCandidates,
         ]);
diff --git a/app/Http/Controllers/Employer/WorkerController.php b/app/Http/Controllers/Employer/WorkerController.php
index c8b9516..a070c52 100644
--- a/app/Http/Controllers/Employer/WorkerController.php
+++ b/app/Http/Controllers/Employer/WorkerController.php
@@ -42,7 +42,10 @@ public function index(Request $request)
         $user = $this->resolveCurrentUser();
         $employerId = $user ? $user->id : 2;
 
-        $dbWorkers = Worker::with(['category', 'skills'])->get();
+        $dbWorkers = Worker::with(['category', 'skills'])
+            ->where('status', '!=', 'Hired')
+            ->where('status', '!=', 'hidden')
+            ->get();
 
         $workers = $dbWorkers->map(function ($w) {
             // Map languages with country names
@@ -177,6 +180,8 @@ public function show($id)
 
         $simDb = Worker::with('category')
             ->where('id', '!=', $w->id)
+            ->where('status', '!=', 'Hired')
+            ->where('status', '!=', 'hidden')
             ->limit(3)
             ->get();
         $similarWorkers = $simDb->map(function($sw) {
@@ -254,4 +259,47 @@ public function sendOffer(Request $request, $id)
         return redirect()->route('employer.hiring.success', ['id' => $id])
             ->with('success', 'Hiring offer has been successfully dispatched to the worker!');
     }
+
+    public function markHired(Request $request, $id)
+    {
+        $user = $this->resolveCurrentUser();
+        $employerId = $user ? $user->id : 2;
+
+        $worker = Worker::findOrFail($id);
+        $worker->update([
+            'status' => 'Hired',
+        ]);
+
+        // Check if there is an existing job offer for this employer and worker
+        $offer = JobOffer::where('employer_id', $employerId)
+            ->where('worker_id', $worker->id)
+            ->first();
+
+        if ($offer) {
+            $offer->update(['status' => 'accepted']);
+        } else {
+            // Also check if there's an existing job application
+            $jobIds = \App\Models\JobPost::where('employer_id', $employerId)->pluck('id');
+            $application = \App\Models\JobApplication::whereIn('job_id', $jobIds)
+                ->where('worker_id', $worker->id)
+                ->first();
+
+            if ($application) {
+                $application->update(['status' => 'hired']);
+            } else {
+                // Create a new direct job offer with status accepted
+                JobOffer::create([
+                    'employer_id' => $employerId,
+                    'worker_id' => $worker->id,
+                    'work_date' => now()->format('Y-m-d'),
+                    'location' => 'Dubai',
+                    'salary' => $worker->salary,
+                    'notes' => 'Direct sponsoring matching finalized.',
+                    'status' => 'accepted',
+                ]);
+            }
+        }
+
+        return back()->with('success', 'Worker successfully marked as Hired!');
+    }
 }
diff --git a/resources/js/Pages/Employer/SelectedCandidates.jsx b/resources/js/Pages/Employer/SelectedCandidates.jsx
index 8395f74..26b6f86 100644
--- a/resources/js/Pages/Employer/SelectedCandidates.jsx
+++ b/resources/js/Pages/Employer/SelectedCandidates.jsx
@@ -50,44 +50,6 @@ export default function SelectedCandidates({ selectedWorkers }) {
         });
     };
 
-    const stats = [
-        { 
-            label: t('total_candidates', 'Total Candidates'), 
-            count: workers.length, 
-            icon: Users, 
-            color: 'text-slate-600', 
-            bg: 'bg-slate-50' 
-        },
-        { 
-            label: t('reviewing', 'Reviewing'), 
-            count: workers.filter(w => w.status === 'Reviewing' || !w.status).length, 
-            icon: Search, 
-            color: 'text-amber-600', 
-            bg: 'bg-amber-50' 
-        },
-        { 
-            label: t('offer_sent', 'Offer Sent'), 
-            count: workers.filter(w => w.status === 'Offer Sent').length, 
-            icon: Send, 
-            color: 'text-blue-600', 
-            bg: 'bg-blue-50' 
-        },
-        { 
-            label: t('hired', 'Hired'), 
-            count: workers.filter(w => w.status === 'Hired').length, 
-            icon: CheckCircle2, 
-            color: 'text-emerald-600', 
-            bg: 'bg-emerald-50' 
-        },
-        { 
-            label: t('rejected', 'Rejected'), 
-            count: workers.filter(w => w.status === 'Rejected').length, 
-            icon: UserCheck, 
-            color: 'text-rose-600', 
-            bg: 'bg-rose-50' 
-        },
-    ];
-
     return (
         <EmployerLayout title={t('candidates_pipeline', 'Candidates')}>
             <Head title={`${t('candidates_pipeline', 'Candidates')} - ${t('employer_portal', 'Employer Portal')}`} />
@@ -101,21 +63,6 @@ export default function SelectedCandidates({ selectedWorkers }) {
                     </div>
                 </div>
 
-                {/* Stats Grid */}
-                <div className="grid grid-cols-1 sm:grid-cols-2 md:grid-cols-3 lg:grid-cols-5 gap-4">
-                    {stats.map((stat) => (
-                        <div key={stat.label} className="bg-white p-5 rounded-2xl border border-slate-100 shadow-sm flex items-center space-x-4">
-                            <div className={`p-3 rounded-xl ${stat.bg}`}>
-                                <stat.icon className={`w-6 h-6 ${stat.color}`} />
-                            </div>
-                            <div>
-                                <div className="text-2xl font-black text-slate-900 leading-none">{stat.count}</div>
-                                <div className="text-[10px] font-black text-slate-400 uppercase tracking-widest mt-1">{stat.label}</div>
-                            </div>
-                        </div>
-                    ))}
-                </div>
-
                 {/* Table Section */}
                 <div className="bg-white rounded-3xl border border-slate-200 shadow-sm overflow-hidden">
                     <div className="p-6 border-b border-slate-100 bg-slate-50/50 flex items-center justify-between">
@@ -179,45 +126,10 @@ export default function SelectedCandidates({ selectedWorkers }) {
                                                  <span className="text-sm font-bold text-slate-800">{worker.salary} <span className="text-[10px] text-slate-400">AED</span></span>
                                              </td>
                                              <td className="px-6 py-5">
-                                                 <DropdownMenu>
-                                                     <DropdownMenuTrigger asChild>
-                                                         <button className={`inline-flex items-center px-2.5 py-1 rounded-full text-[10px] font-black tracking-tight hover:ring-2 hover:ring-offset-1 transition-all ${
-                                                             worker.status === 'Hired' ? 'bg-emerald-50 text-emerald-700 hover:ring-emerald-200' :
-                                                             worker.status === 'Rejected' ? 'bg-rose-50 text-rose-700 hover:ring-rose-200' :
-                                                             worker.status === 'Offer Sent' ? 'bg-blue-50 text-blue-700 hover:ring-blue-200' :
-                                                             'bg-amber-50 text-amber-700 hover:ring-amber-200'
-                                                         }`}>
-                                                             <span className={`w-1 h-1 rounded-full mr-1.5 ${
-                                                                 worker.status === 'Hired' ? 'bg-emerald-500' : 
-                                                                 worker.status === 'Rejected' ? 'bg-rose-500' : 
-                                                                 worker.status === 'Offer Sent' ? 'bg-blue-500' :
-                                                                 'bg-amber-500'
-                                                             }`} />
-                                                             {worker.status === 'Hired' ? t('hired', 'Hired').toUpperCase() :
-                                                              worker.status === 'Rejected' ? t('rejected', 'Rejected').toUpperCase() :
-                                                              worker.status === 'Offer Sent' ? t('offer_sent', 'Offer Sent').toUpperCase() :
-                                                              t('reviewing', 'Reviewing').toUpperCase()}
-                                                             <ChevronRight className="w-3 h-3 ml-1 rotate-90 opacity-50" />
-                                                         </button>
-                                                     </DropdownMenuTrigger>
-                                                     <DropdownMenuContent align="start" className="w-44 p-2 rounded-xl">
-                                                         <DropdownMenuLabel className="text-[10px] font-black text-slate-400 uppercase tracking-widest px-2 py-1.5">{t('change_status_label', 'Change Status')}</DropdownMenuLabel>
-                                                         <DropdownMenuSeparator />
-                                                         <DropdownMenuItem onClick={() => changeStatus(worker.id, 'Reviewing')} className="text-xs font-bold text-slate-600 focus:text-amber-700 focus:bg-amber-50 rounded-lg cursor-pointer">
-                                                             {t('reviewing', 'Reviewing')}
-                                                         </DropdownMenuItem>
-                                                         <DropdownMenuItem onClick={() => changeStatus(worker.id, 'Offer Sent')} className="text-xs font-bold text-slate-600 focus:text-blue-700 focus:bg-blue-50 rounded-lg cursor-pointer">
-                                                             {t('offer_sent', 'Offer Sent')}
-                                                         </DropdownMenuItem>
-                                                         <DropdownMenuItem onClick={() => changeStatus(worker.id, 'Hired')} className="text-xs font-bold text-slate-600 focus:text-emerald-700 focus:bg-emerald-50 rounded-lg cursor-pointer">
-                                                             {t('hired', 'Hired')}
-                                                         </DropdownMenuItem>
-                                                         <DropdownMenuSeparator />
-                                                         <DropdownMenuItem onClick={() => changeStatus(worker.id, 'Rejected')} className="text-xs font-bold text-rose-600 focus:text-rose-700 focus:bg-rose-50 rounded-lg cursor-pointer">
-                                                             {t('rejected', 'Rejected')}
-                                                         </DropdownMenuItem>
-                                                     </DropdownMenuContent>
-                                                 </DropdownMenu>
+                                                 <span className="inline-flex items-center px-2.5 py-1 rounded-full text-[10px] font-black tracking-tight bg-emerald-50 text-emerald-700 border border-emerald-100 shadow-xs">
+                                                     <span className="w-1 h-1 rounded-full mr-1.5 bg-emerald-500" />
+                                                     {t('hired', 'Hired').toUpperCase()}
+                                                 </span>
                                              </td>
                                              <td className="px-6 py-5 text-right">
                                                  <div className="flex items-center justify-end space-x-1">
diff --git a/resources/js/Pages/Employer/Workers/Show.jsx b/resources/js/Pages/Employer/Workers/Show.jsx
index 6981418..c513181 100644
--- a/resources/js/Pages/Employer/Workers/Show.jsx
+++ b/resources/js/Pages/Employer/Workers/Show.jsx
@@ -113,10 +113,15 @@ export default function Show({ worker }) {
     };
 
     const handleMarkHired = () => {
-        setAvailabilityStatus('Hired');
-        setShowHiredModal(true);
-        toast.success(t('marked_hired', 'Worker successfully marked as Hired!'), {
-            description: t('marked_hired_desc', 'Sponsorship direct match finalized. Please leave an anonymous trust review!')
+        router.post(`/employer/workers/${worker.id}/mark-hired`, {}, {
+            preserveScroll: true,
+            onSuccess: () => {
+                setAvailabilityStatus('Hired');
+                setShowHiredModal(true);
+                toast.success(t('marked_hired', 'Worker successfully marked as Hired!'), {
+                    description: t('marked_hired_desc', 'Sponsorship direct match finalized. Please leave an anonymous trust review!')
+                });
+            }
         });
     };
 
@@ -256,14 +261,16 @@ export default function Show({ worker }) {
                             </Link>
 
                             {/* Stage 4 Hire: Mark Hired (Finalize Hiring Direct Flow) */}
-                            <button
-                                type="button"
-                                onClick={handleMarkHired}
-                                className="bg-emerald-600 hover:bg-emerald-700 text-white border border-emerald-700 px-8 py-3 rounded-xl font-black text-sm shadow-md transition-all flex items-center justify-center space-x-2 flex-1 sm:flex-initial scale-105 active:scale-100"
-                            >
-                                <CheckCircle2 className="w-4 h-4 text-white" />
-                                <span>{t('mark_hired_action', 'Mark Hired')}</span>
-                            </button>
+                            {availabilityStatus !== 'Hired' && (
+                                <button
+                                    type="button"
+                                    onClick={handleMarkHired}
+                                    className="bg-emerald-600 hover:bg-emerald-700 text-white border border-emerald-700 px-8 py-3 rounded-xl font-black text-sm shadow-md transition-all flex items-center justify-center space-x-2 flex-1 sm:flex-initial scale-105 active:scale-100"
+                                >
+                                    <CheckCircle2 className="w-4 h-4 text-white" />
+                                    <span>{t('mark_hired_action', 'Mark Hired')}</span>
+                                </button>
+                            )}
                         </div>
                     </div>
 
diff --git a/routes/api.php b/routes/api.php
index 82056dc..261c95d 100644
--- a/routes/api.php
+++ b/routes/api.php
@@ -81,4 +81,10 @@
     Route::get('/employers/announcements', [EmployerAnnouncementController::class, 'getAnnouncements']);
     Route::post('/employers/announcements', [EmployerAnnouncementController::class, 'createAnnouncement']);
     Route::delete('/employers/announcements/{id}', [EmployerAnnouncementController::class, 'deleteAnnouncement']);
+
+    // Worker and Candidate Pipeline Management
+    Route::get('/employers/workers', [\App\Http\Controllers\Api\EmployerWorkerController::class, 'getWorkers']);
+    Route::get('/employers/candidates', [\App\Http\Controllers\Api\EmployerWorkerController::class, 'getCandidates']);
+    Route::post('/employers/candidates/{id}/hire', [\App\Http\Controllers\Api\EmployerWorkerController::class, 'hireCandidate']);
+    Route::post('/employers/candidates/hire', [\App\Http\Controllers\Api\EmployerWorkerController::class, 'hireCandidate']);
 });
diff --git a/routes/web.php b/routes/web.php
index 88e9eb2..4bd1285 100644
--- a/routes/web.php
+++ b/routes/web.php
@@ -110,6 +110,7 @@
         return Inertia::render('Employer/Hiring/Confirm', ['worker' => $workerData]);
     })->name('employer.hiring.confirm');
     Route::post('/workers/{id}/hire', [\App\Http\Controllers\Employer\WorkerController::class, 'sendOffer'])->name('employer.workers.send-offer');
+    Route::post('/workers/{id}/mark-hired', [\App\Http\Controllers\Employer\WorkerController::class, 'markHired'])->name('employer.workers.mark-hired');
     Route::get('/workers/{id}/hire/success', function ($id) {
         $worker = \App\Models\Worker::findOrFail($id);
         $workerData = [
diff --git a/vite.config.js b/vite.config.js
index c0e4e29..643f076 100644
--- a/vite.config.js
+++ b/vite.config.js
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import { defineConfig } from 'vite';
 import laravel from 'laravel-vite-plugin';
+import react from '@vitejs/plugin-react';
 import { bunny } from 'laravel-vite-plugin/fonts';
 import tailwindcss from '@tailwindcss/vite';
 
@@ -14,9 +15,11 @@ export default defineConfig({
                 }),
             ],
         }),
+        react(),
         tailwindcss(),
     ],
     server: {
+        host: 'localhost',
         watch: {
             ignored: ['**/storage/framework/views/**'],
         },