United Kingdom 2025 employment market insights

Key takeaways from people2people's 2024 Employment and Salary Report

United Kingdom 2025 employment market insights

Key takeaways from people2people's 2024 Employment and Salary Report

United Kingdom labour market update:

Key trends and insights for 2024

The UK employment landscape is displaying positive signs of recovery and adaptation as we progress through the first quarter of 2024. The unemployment rate continues its downward trend, indicating a more favourable job market. Certain sectors have emerged as drivers of employment growth. Technology, healthcare, and renewable energy industries are experiencing increased demand for skilled professionals. This trend aligns with the broader global shift towards sustainable and innovative practices.

The pandemic has reshaped work patterns, and remote work remains prevalent. Companies are adapting to hybrid models, offering employees greater flexibility, which is influencing hiring strategies. The demand for specific skill sets is evolving rapidly. Employers are investing in upskilling and reskilling programmes to bridge the gap between available talent and the needs of emerging industries. Companies are placing a greater emphasis on creating inclusive workplaces and promoting diversity.

Employers are increasingly recognising the importance of employee well-being. Mental health support, flexible work hours, and wellness programmes are gaining prominence as organisations prioritise creating a healthy work environment. As the employment market continues to evolve, job seekers are encouraged to stay agile, embrace continuous learning, and leverage digital skills. Employers, in turn, should adapt their recruitment strategies to attract and retain top talent in this dynamic and competitive landscape.

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Employment trends shaping United Kingdom’s labour market in 2024

Key workplace flexibility trends for 2024


Workplace flexibility remains a top priority for employees in 2024. Employers face challenges in competing with flexible roles, meeting work-from-home expectations, and offering tailored arrangements. How can employers attract and retain talent by understanding employee preferences, balancing office and remote work, and providing flexibility from day one?

What counteroffers included in 2024


Talent shortages have made counteroffers a key challenge in recruitment. Why is understanding candidates' reasons for leaving and reactions to counteroffers crucial for hiring managers? How can proactive engagement, clear communication, and early issue resolution secure commitment and prevent losing top talent during the notice period?

Most Desired Employee Benefits in 2024


In 2024, employees prioritize flexible working options, career development opportunities, and incentives like bonuses and wellbeing programs. Tailored benefits packages are critical for attracting and retaining talent. How can employers create competitive packages that meet these evolving preferences, align with workforce trends, and foster long-term employee satisfaction and engagement?

Key workplace flexibility trends for 2024

Flexibility in the workplace has become a critical factor in attracting and retaining top talent. As employers navigate the challenges of balancing operational needs with employee expectations, understanding the dynamics of flexibility preferences is essential. Key considerations include competing against roles offering greater flexibility, how work-from-home arrangements influence job decisions, and the timing of access to flexibility when starting a new job.

To remain competitive, many employers emphasize flexibility, career growth opportunities, and strong company reputations to attract candidates. However, job seekers’ expectations around returning to the office vary widely, with many requiring significant incentives, such as pay rises, to give up flexible arrangements. Additionally, timing plays a critical role, as over half of job seekers expect work flexibility to be available from their first day in a new role.

Work-from-home preferences reveal that most employees desire a hybrid model, balancing office presence with remote work. While some teams adopt shared anchor days in the office, others implement tailored individual flexibility arrangements. Employers who fail to adapt risk resignations, as flexibility continues to be a driving force in job satisfaction and decision-making for modern professionals.

Unlock full insights

Key workplace flexibility trends for 2024

Flexibility in the workplace has become a critical factor in attracting and retaining top talent. As employers navigate the challenges of balancing operational needs with employee expectations, understanding the dynamics of flexibility preferences is essential. Key considerations include competing against roles offering greater flexibility, how work-from-home arrangements influence job decisions, and the timing of access to flexibility when starting a new job.

To remain competitive, many employers emphasize flexibility, career growth opportunities, and strong company reputations to attract candidates. However, job seekers’ expectations around returning to the office vary widely, with many requiring significant incentives, such as pay rises, to give up flexible arrangements. Additionally, timing plays a critical role, as over half of job seekers expect work flexibility to be available from their first day in a new role.

Work-from-home preferences reveal that most employees desire a hybrid model, balancing office presence with remote work. While some teams adopt shared anchor days in the office, others implement tailored individual flexibility arrangements. Employers who fail to adapt risk resignations, as flexibility continues to be a driving force in job satisfaction and decision-making for modern professionals.

Unlock full insights

What counteroffers included in 2024

Due to talent shortages, many employers might consider counteroffering to retain key staff, adding a new layer of complexity to the recruitment process. To avoid any surprises, all hiring managers undertaking a recruitment process must have a clear understanding of candidates' key reasons for leaving their current role, as well as how they would react in the case of a counteroffer

Upon extending an offer, hiring managers must transition swiftly into a proactive engagement strategy. This entails maintaining open lines of communication with the new hire, providing insight into the company culture, and fostering a sense of belonging even before their official start date. By involving them in relevant discussions, introducing key team members, and offering resources for personal and professional development, managers can instill a strong sense of anticipation and commitment.

Vigilance against potential counteroffers is equally critical. Research indicates that many employees reconsider their decisions during the notice period, especially when confronted with lucrative counteroffers. To preempt such scenarios, hiring managers should maintain candid conversations with the new hire, addressing any concerns or reservations promptly.

Unlock full insights

What counteroffers included in 2024

Due to talent shortages, many employers might consider counteroffering to retain key staff, adding a new layer of complexity to the recruitment process. To avoid any surprises, all hiring managers undertaking a recruitment process must have a clear understanding of candidates' key reasons for leaving their current role, as well as how they would react in the case of a counteroffer

Upon extending an offer, hiring managers must transition swiftly into a proactive engagement strategy. This entails maintaining open lines of communication with the new hire, providing insight into the company culture, and fostering a sense of belonging even before their official start date. By involving them in relevant discussions, introducing key team members, and offering resources for personal and professional development, managers can instill a strong sense of anticipation and commitment.

Vigilance against potential counteroffers is equally critical. Research indicates that many employees reconsider their decisions during the notice period, especially when confronted with lucrative counteroffers. To preempt such scenarios, hiring managers should maintain candid conversations with the new hire, addressing any concerns or reservations promptly.

Unlock full insights

Most Desired Employee Benefits in 2024

Employee benefits have become one of the most influential factors in driving job satisfaction and retention in 2024. In an increasingly competitive job market, organizations are striving to understand and deliver the benefits that matter most to their employees. From flexible working arrangements to professional development opportunities, these perks are essential for attracting and retaining top talent. Employers who tailor their benefits packages to align with employee expectations are better positioned to build a motivated and engaged workforce.

Employee benefits have become one of the most influential factors in driving job satisfaction and retention in 2024. In an increasingly competitive job market, organizations are striving to understand and deliver the benefits that matter most to their employees. From flexible working arrangements to professional development opportunities, these perks are essential for attracting and retaining top talent. Employers who tailor their benefits packages to align with employee expectations are better positioned to build a motivated and engaged workforce. The goal is to offer a comprehensive package that not only meets employee needs but also enhances workplace appeal and fosters loyalty.

Flexible working hours, bonuses, and career development opportunities rank among the most sought-after benefits in 2024. Employees are placing a greater emphasis on flexibility, with options like remote work, additional leave, and flexible work locations becoming critical considerations in their job decisions. The ability to balance work and personal life is no longer a luxury but a necessity for many professionals. growth is equally valued.continue to be a powerful motivator, while team activities and discounts help create a sense of belonging and appreciation among employees.

Unlock full insights

Most Desired Employee Benefits in 2024

Employee benefits have become one of the most influential factors in driving job satisfaction and retention in 2024. In an increasingly competitive job market, organizations are striving to understand and deliver the benefits that matter most to their employees. From flexible working arrangements to professional development opportunities, these perks are essential for attracting and retaining top talent. Employers who tailor their benefits packages to align with employee expectations are better positioned to build a motivated and engaged workforce.

Employee benefits have become one of the most influential factors in driving job satisfaction and retention in 2024. In an increasingly competitive job market, organizations are striving to understand and deliver the benefits that matter most to their employees. From flexible working arrangements to professional development opportunities, these perks are essential for attracting and retaining top talent. Employers who tailor their benefits packages to align with employee expectations are better positioned to build a motivated and engaged workforce. The goal is to offer a comprehensive package that not only meets employee needs but also enhances workplace appeal and fosters loyalty.

Flexible working hours, bonuses, and career development opportunities rank among the most sought-after benefits in 2024. Employees are placing a greater emphasis on flexibility, with options like remote work, additional leave, and flexible work locations becoming critical considerations in their job decisions. The ability to balance work and personal life is no longer a luxury but a necessity for many professionals. growth is equally valued.continue to be a powerful motivator, while team activities and discounts help create a sense of belonging and appreciation among employees.

Unlock full insights

Employment trends shaping United Kingdom’s labour market in 2024

Key workplace flexibility trends for 2024


Workplace flexibility remains a top priority for employees in 2024. Employers face challenges in competing with flexible roles, meeting work-from-home expectations, and offering tailored arrangements. How can employers attract and retain talent by understanding employee preferences, balancing office and remote work, and providing flexibility from day one?

What counteroffers included in 2024


Talent shortages have made counteroffers a key challenge in recruitment. Why is understanding candidates' reasons for leaving and reactions to counteroffers crucial for hiring managers? How can proactive engagement, clear communication, and early issue resolution secure commitment and prevent losing top talent during the notice period?

Most Desired Employee Benefits in 2024


In 2024, employees prioritize flexible working options, career development opportunities, and incentives like bonuses and wellbeing programs. Tailored benefits packages are critical for attracting and retaining talent. How can employers create competitive packages that meet these evolving preferences, align with workforce trends, and foster long-term employee satisfaction and engagement?
Unlock full insights

2024 market insights across United Kingdom

Key labour market trends shaping recruitment and salaries in 2024

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