Introduction
In today’s fast-evolving job market, understanding salary expectations and workforce priorities is crucial for any business. The newly released Totaljobs UK Salary Trends Report 2025 provides key insights that all employers and HR professionals should consider as they shape their recruitment and retention strategies. Based on 17.4 million job advertisements and feedback from over 3,000 UK workers, this report sheds light on what truly matters to the modern workforce.
At Personnel Placements, we’ve been helping employers and jobseekers navigate the evolving recruitment landscape for over 35 years. These insights align with the challenges we see daily and reinforce why tailored, transparent hiring strategies are essential for success.
Salary Still Leads, but It’s Not the Whole Story
The number one motivator for UK workers remains unchanged: money. According to the report, 72% of jobseekers say salary is their top priority when considering new roles. However, businesses should take note – 66% of workers would give up a pay rise in favour of flexible working hours.
In fact, flexibility has emerged as the most desired benefit, surpassing even performance bonuses, health insurance, or additional holidays. It’s clear that employees are looking for more than just compensation, they’re seeking balance.
2025 Job Market Snapshot
31% of workers plan to search for a new job in 2025
74% will not apply to roles that don’t include salary information
Average UK median salary: £35,648
Top-paying industries:
- Technology: £46,206
- Construction: £45,447
- Banking & Finance: £43,540
Top cities for pay:
- London: £40,511
- Manchester: £36,700
- Birmingham: £37,000
Despite salary growth across many sectors, overall salary satisfaction dipped to 63%, suggesting that wage increases alone are not enough to keep workers happy.
The Rise of Benefits & Wellbeing Support
Businesses investing in employee experience appear to be reaping the rewards. The report notes benefit satisfaction hit 76%, a 4% improvement from last year. The most desired benefits include:
- Flexible working hours
- Remote/hybrid options
- Career development
- Mental health support
- Enhanced pension and sick pay
However, there is a gap between what’s desired and what’s advertised. For instance, while 34% of candidates want mental health support, only 9% of job ads promote this benefit.
Skills Gaps and Industry Disparities
The report highlights ongoing skills shortages in several sectors, which are fuelling wage growth in industries such as HR, Customer Service and Healthcare. Meanwhile, industries like Technology and Finance are experiencing pay stagnation, possibly due to previous over-hiring or economic recalibration.
Notably, Customer Service salaries surged by nearly 15%, reflecting rising demand for interpersonal and soft skills in the digital age.
The Role of Recruitment Experts in 2025
Pay transparency continues to be a hot topic. The report found that nearly three in four candidates won’t even apply for a role that doesn’t disclose salary. At Personnel Placements, we’ve long championed transparent recruitment practices because it builds trust and attracts better-fit candidates faster.
With so much complexity in the job market, businesses need more than generic hiring platforms they need strategic recruitment partners. That’s where Personnel Placements comes in. Based in Salisbury, we specialise in connecting employers with the right talent across various sectors including administration, finance, customer service, HR, manufacturing. Senior and Executive Recruitment is also something we specialise in.
Our commitment to local expertise, national reach, and honest, personalised service makes us a trusted partner for businesses seeking to stay ahead in this competitive market.
Learn more about how we support businesses and jobseekers at www.personnel-placements.co.uk
The UK job market in 2025 is defined by high expectations, increased mobility and a demand for flexibility and transparency. Salary still matters but businesses that ignore benefits, work-life balance and employee wellbeing do so at their peril.
Now more than ever, partnering with a recruitment agency like Personnel Placements can help you navigate these trends and secure the talent your business needs to grow. Get in touch to see how we can support you.
