Almost half of jobseekers plan to change roles in the next six months, according to new research by recruitment firm Gi Group UK. The findings suggest growing confidence among candidates, particularly younger workers, after a prolonged period of hesitation linked to economic uncertainty and high operating costs.
The company’s latest Candidate Survey found that 63.85 percent of 18 to 25-year-olds plan to move jobs in the near future. Almost 47 percent of 26 to 35-year-olds said the same, while every age group surveyed reported that more than 40 percent of candidates are considering a change.
Gi Group, part of Italy-based Gi Group Holding, said the data pointed to renewed movement in the labour market, where many businesses have struggled to attract skilled staff.
“Businesses have been navigating a challenging economic landscape for many consecutive months now, and when times are tough, hiring and movement of top talent slows down,” said Ed Vigars, operations director at Gi Group UK.
“Candidates and businesses are less likely to hire or to move. Added to this, attracting strong employees when there is a need for more resource has become a challenge for businesses, especially as many face mounting financial pressures and are looking to cut costs wherever they can.”
But he said the new survey results show a shift underway. “As the employer-driven market takes shape, businesses have the opportunity to be more selective and ensure the individuals they hire are the top talent for the job.
“While employee expectations remain a key element of the hiring process, businesses have a larger candidate pool to pick from which means they’re able to be selective and candidates must work to stand out from the crowd.”
Candidates want development, not just perks
The survey also asked respondents to identify the benefits they most wanted from employers. Thirty-five percent said they were looking for funded accreditations, followed by 28 percent who wanted clear career progression and 22 percent who valued sector-specific skills workshops.
Packages that included wellbeing and flexible working were chosen by 18 percent, while 17 percent prioritised personal and leadership development.
Gi Group UK said the data reflects a shift in priorities from passive job satisfaction to active career advancement. “There is a lot of noise around candidate expectations, but at the heart of this issue there is a growing group of individuals who are all looking for their next role because they want more from work,” said Vigars.
“The role of an experienced and agile recruiter is to match these ‘eager to move’ candidates with the right business at the right time, where both employer and employee feel fulfilled, well paired and able to grow.”
More applicants, fewer jobs
Despite the growing appetite for change, the overall number of vacancies continues to fall. According to the Office for National Statistics, UK job openings dropped for the 35th consecutive quarter between March and May this year, down by 7.9 percent or 63,000 vacancies.
The imbalance is creating further pressure on candidates to stand out. “With fewer roles and a growing volume of workers, employees have been faced with a strained market, which has led to inactivity,” Vigars added.
“Less roles with more applicants mean candidates must ensure they covet the right roles and push their value to an employer, rather than expect everything for nothing in return.”
