A new survey conducted by HR software provider Ciphr reveals that more than one in four UK employees (26%)—approximately 7.3 million people—have been seeking new job opportunities this year, driven by ongoing cost-of-living challenges.

The research, which polled over 1,200 workers, found that younger employees are particularly motivated to make a change. Among those aged 18 to 34, 40 percent reported they are actively job hunting. Workers in London are also among the most eager to switch jobs, with 37 percent in the capital seeking new roles. Employees in sectors such as sales (37%), business and management consulting (35%), and hospitality and events (35%) are similarly looking for better prospects.

The study highlights that financial pressures are a key factor in job searches, particularly for younger workers. More than half (53%) of those aged 18-24 and a third (34%) of those aged 25-34 are looking for higher-paying roles. In contrast, fewer older employees are on the hunt, with 28 percent of those aged 35-44 and just 9 percent of those over 55 considering new opportunities.

Many job seekers are also supplementing their income in other ways, with 53 percent of respondents who are currently looking for a job taking on additional hours or shifts, and 40 percent pursuing a second job or side hustle.

Regional and Industry Variations

London workers are among the most likely to be job hunting, with 37 percent looking for new opportunities, while the South West of England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland each have around a third of employees seeking change. In contrast, the East Midlands has the lowest percentage of job hunters, with only 12 percent of employees actively seeking a new role.

The survey also reveals significant differences across industries. Sales professionals lead the pack, with 37 percent looking for new opportunities. Employees in business consulting (35%), hospitality (35%), and IT (32%) are also actively seeking change. Meanwhile, legal professionals (15%) and transport and logistics workers (17%) are the least likely to be exploring new roles.

Industry Breakdown of Job Seekers:

  • Sales: 37%
  • Business, Consulting, and Management: 35%
  • Hospitality and Events Management: 35%
  • IT: 32%
  • Charity and Voluntary Work: 29%
  • Healthcare: 28%
  • Accountancy, Banking, and Finance: 28%
  • Recruitment and HR: 27%
  • Property and Construction: 26%

What does the future look like?

Claire Williams, Chief People and Operations Officer at Ciphr, noted that the job market remains competitive, with many employees feeling ongoing financial pressures despite recent declines in inflation. Williams emphasised that salary is only one factor influencing job retention, with work-life balance, development opportunities, and management practices also playing critical roles.

“Retention continues to be a challenge, especially when so many people feel financially stretched,” said Williams. “HR must use people data to understand the drivers of turnover and shape strategies that improve retention. The responsibility doesn’t solely rest with HR—leadership teams must also ensure a positive employee experience that makes people want to stay.”

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Amelia Brand

Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.