UK Job Market Update: Trends, Challenges & How Rapid Can Help in 2025
The job market in the South of England continues to face hiring challenges, with a notable drop in both permanent and temporary placements. Businesses are proceeding with caution, influenced by sluggish growth and upcoming National Insurance increases, which are adding pressure to hiring decisions.
However, there is a silver lining—the South of England was the only region to see a decline in starting salaries, offering a cost-effective opportunity for employers to bring in talent while staying within budget. Additionally, for the first time in 11 months, the South no longer holds the highest rate of decline in new permanent placements compared to other regions, signaling potential stabilisation in the market.
?? For Employers: If you're looking to strengthen your workforce, now is the time to secure talent at more competitive salary levels. Rapid Personnel can help you navigate the changing landscape with tailored staffing solutions for warehouse operations, logistics, food production, and more.
?? For Job Seekers: With rising candidate availability, standing out in the job market is more crucial than ever. Whether you're seeking temporary work or a permanent career move, we’re here to connect you with the right opportunities.
With interest rate adjustments and potential government-driven growth strategies on the horizon, businesses are preparing for a gradual recovery. Don’t wait—plan ahead and stay ahead.
Engineering and Manufacturing: 2025 Market Outlook
With a ￡4.5 billion government investment fueling key sectors like automotive, clean energy, and life sciences, 2025 is set to be a transformative year for engineering and manufacturing professionals. But alongside industry growth, career priorities are shifting.
?? 28% of professionals are seeking new roles due to salary concerns
?? 18% want greater flexibility in working hours
?? 16% are looking for shorter commutes
?? 14% aim to improve work-life balance
While competitive pay remains a top factor, flexibility and balance are becoming increasingly important. So, what does this mean for employers looking to attract top talent? And how can job seekers position themselves for new opportunities in a rapidly evolving market?
Read our latest blog to explore the opportunities ahead and what this means for your career or hiring strategy.
The Evolution of QA: Why Quality Assurance Is More Vital Than Ever
There's a common myth in the manufacturing and engineering sectors that Quality Assurance (QA) is becoming obsolete. At Rapid, we’re here to set the record straight—QA isn’t disappearing, it’s evolving.
Many companies fall into a familiar cycle:
?? A major production issue or recall occurs
?? Urgent investment is made into QA resources
?? Operations stabilise, and QA investment decreases
?? A new failure happens, and the cycle repeats
The irony? When QA works effectively, it becomes invisible. No defects, no safety concerns, no disruptions. But that doesn’t mean it’s unnecessary—until it’s too late.
Read our latest blog to discover why QA remains essential and how it’s evolving in 2025.
How Rapid Can Help You
As we move further into 2025, the job market remains unpredictable, with businesses taking a cautious approach to hiring. However, opportunities are still out there, particularly for those who adapt to changing workforce demands.
At Rapid Personnel, we’re here to help businesses navigate these challenges and connect job seekers with the right opportunities. Whether you're looking for skilled professionals, or you're a candidate seeking your next role, our expertise can help you stay ahead.