We work closely with businesses and professionals to stay ahead of employment trends. The UK job market is shifting, with salaries, benefits, and workplace policies redefining how companies attract and retain talent. To remain competitive, organisations must understand what professionals expect and how they can deliver the right employment packages.
Salaries and Hiring Trends
Based on industry data and real hiring experiences, here’s how salaries compare in 2025:
- Industry median: £34,000
- Entry-level roles: £22,500
- Senior management positions: £55,000+
We see notable changes in sector demand:
- Technology & AI: Businesses are hiring software engineers and AI specialists 18% more than last year
- Healthcare: Nurse and care worker salaries have risen 6%, largely due to staff shortages
- Green Energy: Jobs related to sustainability are up 12%, aligning with UK net-zero targets
What Employees Expect in 2025
In our experience working with talent acquisition teams, key employment benefits make all the difference when attracting and retaining top talent.
Private Healthcare and Wellbeing
- With NHS wait times increasing, 62% of UK employers now offer private medical insurance
- Mental health support and virtual GP services have become standard perks in benefits packages
Pension Contributions
- Auto-enrolment remains mandatory, with minimum employer contributions at 3%
- Competitive businesses now offer enhanced pensions of 5–10% to attract skilled professionals
Flexible Work and Paid Leave
- Hybrid work models dominate, with 78% of employees preferring flexible arrangements
- While statutory annual leave remains 5.6 weeks, 40% of companies now offer unlimited PTO
How Businesses Can Compete for Talent
From what we’ve seen, organisations that succeed in attracting and retaining top employees do the following:
- Offer competitive salaries aligned with industry benchmarks
- Provide strong benefits packages, including healthcare and pensions
- Respond to flexible work expectations to improve retention and job satisfaction
Candidates today expect more than just a payslip they want stability, growth opportunities, and meaningful benefits. By recognising these needs, businesses can build stronger, more committed teams ready to meet long-term goals.
Looking Ahead
Professionals today are seeking more than a payslip they want a clear career path, a positive working culture, and long-term security. We help businesses design recruitment strategies that reflect these priorities. If you’re reviewing your approach to talent acquisition, now is the time to act because the expectations of today’s workforce are shaping the success stories of tomorrow.