This marks an increase of 29%, rising from 14% to 18% year-on-year.

Totaljobs’ latest Hiring Trends Index, which surveyed 1,000 UK hiring decision-makers, has been released following data from ONS that revealed a record number of people are off work on long-term sick leave, with 2.8m people currently economically inactive.

In signs of growing discontent among workers due to pay, work satisfaction and wellbeing, the report highlights how, despite the labour market tightening, the battle to retain good staff remains a leading challenge for employers.

In the last three months, a quarter of employers (25%) saw staff leave their roles for better opportunities with other companies or previous employers, while 15% left due to poor work-life balance. A report from Totaljobs at the start of year also revealed that one in three employees (31%) are looking to switch jobs in 2025.

“The skills gap left by departing employees presents an opportunity for internal mobility and career growth. Employers can close talent gaps by bringing in entry-level employees while supporting existing staff through learning and development programmes that upskill the workforce,” said Natalie Matalon, chief people officer at the Stepstone Group.

With sustained health concerns in the UK workforce Totaljobs has revealed that that sick pay above legal requirements (26%), health insurance (21%) and mental health support (17%) are now some of candidates’ top desired benefits.

Other benefits in demand include flexible hours (41%), pension contributions above legal requirements (25%), and hybrid and remote working options (24%).

With recruiters needing to backfill positions of departing talent, Totaljobs’ report also uncovered hiring managers’ biggest challenges. Finding candidates with the right skills remains the top barrier (65%), followed by 52% feeling the time pressure to fill roles, with half (50%) being worried about decreasing hiring budgets.

This time pressure is reflected in the time it takes to hire. While the average went down to 4.6 weeks from 5.1 weeks in Q4 2024, over a quarter of employers (26%) report it taking between six and 10 weeks between the job ad being posted and the candidate accepting an offer.

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