The latest ONS figures (Apr–Jun 2025) paint a mixed picture of the UK job market. While the headline numbers tell one story, the reality for tech and cybersecurity recruitment is more nuanced. Here is what the data means for employers, jobseekers, and anyone involved in hiring.
The Key Numbers
Compared to the same period last year:
- Payrolled employees: Down 149,000 year-on-year (–0.5%) and down 26,000 from May to June 2025.
- Vacancies: Fell by 44,000 in May-July 2025, down 5.8% on the quarter. This marks the 37th consecutive quarterly fall.
- Employment rate (16–64): 75.3%, slightly higher than a year ago.
- Unemployment rate (16+): 4.7%, the highest since June 2021.
- Economic inactivity (16–64): 21.0%, the lowest since the pandemic began.
- Average regular pay: Up 5.0% year-on-year. Total pay is up 4.6%.
- Public sector pay: Up 5.7%; Private sector pay: Up 4.8%.
- Real wage growth (after inflation): Regular pay up 0.9% (CPIH).
What This Means for Employers
Although vacancies have been declining for over three years, the market is still competitive for specialist roles in tech and cybersecurity. Employers are facing two main challenges:
- Candidate Quality vs Quantity – Fewer applications does not always mean fewer people available. Many skilled professionals are passively open to change but are selective about opportunities.
- Salary Pressures – Pay growth is still outpacing inflation in some sectors, meaning retaining top talent requires regular salary reviews.
Why Tech and Cybersecurity Are Different
Despite a cooling in the overall job market, demand for cyber and tech skills continues to outstrip supply. Cybersecurity incidents, AI adoption, and cloud migration projects are keeping demand high for:
- Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analysts
- Cloud Security Specialists
- DevOps Engineers
- Software Developers with secure coding expertise
- Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs)
How Keen People Can Help
Keen People works with both employers and candidates to navigate the current market with confidence. By combining up-to-date labour market data with deep sector expertise, we help:
- Employers secure high-calibre talent even when competition is tough.
- Candidates position themselves for the best opportunities, with accurate insight into salary trends and demand.
Our subscription-based recruitment model offers:
- Predictable monthly costs
- A 12-month candidate guarantee
- Access to a live client portal for real-time updates
- Specialisation in tech and cyber roles
- Ongoing support to help you plan, hire, and retain effectively
The Bottom Line
The UK labour market is shifting, but specialist hiring in tech and cyber remains competitive. Employers who act strategically, budget smartly, and partner with specialists will be best placed to attract and retain the talent they need.
Want to explore in more detail? We’ve prepared a breakdown of the ONS figures with insights tailored to tech and cybersecurity hiring. Download it here
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg754negn75o
Contact Keen People today to discuss how we can help you navigate today’s hiring challenges.
📧 Email: info@keenpeople.co.uk
📞 Phone: +44 (0) 203 997 6000
🌐 Website: keenpeople.co.uk