Research from Totaljobs found that over one in ten UK workers (11%) are currently searching for a new job – an increase from 8 percent recorded two years ago. Further, 31 percent of employees are considering switching roles later in 2025.
The study, based on a survey of 3,000 UK workers, found a notable willingness to relocate for new opportunities. Two-thirds (66%) of respondents would consider moving for a job, with a fifth (21%) open to moving within the UK, 23 percent considering relocation within Europe, and 22 percent willing to move further afield.
Despite declining vacancies, employee dissatisfaction appears to be driving increased job mobility. Research from October showed that stress, burnout, and other mental health-related issues accounted for 25 percent of employee turnover over the past year.
Financial Concerns and Salary Expectations
Perhaps unsurprisingly, financial concerns are a strong motivator for job seekers. Nearly 59 percent of respondents expressed worries about their finances for the coming year. Securing a higher salary is the primary reason for seeking a new role, with candidates on average only considering roles offering a minimum 13 percent pay increase.
While salary increases drive many job changes, retaining employees through inflation-matching pay rises remains a key opportunity for employers. A pay rise in line with inflation was cited by 35 percent of job seekers as a reason they might remain with their current employer.
Work-Life Balance and Flexibility
Beyond salary, a quarter (25 percent) of respondents began their job search to improve their work-life balance. This factor also emerged as the top consideration when selecting a new job or employer, cited by 49 percent of those surveyed.
Other important priorities included job security and flexible working options, both highlighted by 37 percent of respondents. Flexibility has become particularly significant, with two-thirds (66%) of workers stating they would forgo a pay rise in exchange for more adaptable working hours.
A recent IWG study, which surveyed more than 500 in-house and agency recruiters, found that two thirds (67%) of recruiters have noticed an increase in candidates looking to leave roles at companies requiring five-day office attendance. Among candidates, the lack of hybrid working options is a dealbreaker, with three quarters (75%) rejecting job offers that do not include flexible working arrangements.
Employer Response: Adapting to Market Trends
Totaljobs suggests that employers reconsider their flexible working policies to remain competitive in attracting and retaining talent. As the job market becomes increasingly candidate-driven, companies must develop creative compensation packages that align with workers’ evolving preferences for flexibility, balance, and stability.
Julius Probst, Labour Economist at Totaljobs, noted that vacancies continue to decline while employment growth remains ‘sluggish’ and worker turnover stays low.
“There are concerns that the policies introduced in the Autumn Budget may impact the hiring outlook,” he added. “The Bank of England should continue its easing cycle to avoid further stifling the labour market. On the bright side, real wages of workers are growing at a healthy rate, supporting household consumption and the economy.”
