As 2025 heads into its final quarter, the UK recruitment landscape is showing cautious optimism. Despite continued macroeconomic uncertainty and evolving workforce priorities, hiring across many professional sectors has stabilised - with key growth emerging in business support, executive, and operations roles.

At Bain and Gray, we’ve reviewed the latest data from the APSCo Recruitment Index, global market research from Bullhorn’s GRID 2025 Industry Trends, and our own observations from clients and candidates in the PA, EA and business support markets. Here’s what we’re seeing.

The Broader Recruitment Picture

According to the APSCo Recruitment Index, UK hiring activity rose modestly in Q3, up 4% quarter-on-quarter, driven by renewed business confidence and easing inflationary pressures. Permanent placements have started to recover after a subdued start to the year, while temporary hiring remains strong, particularly in London and the South East.

However, skill shortages persist across most professional sectors. Employers continue to compete for experienced candidates, especially those with strong digital literacy, hybrid-working adaptability, and interpersonal skills.

Key highlights from recent reports:

  • Permanent job vacancies increased year-on-year, signalling growing employer confidence.
  • Average time-to-hire has fallen slightly, from 42 to 38 days, as employers streamline recruitment processes.
  • Hybrid and flexible roles now represent over 60% of office-based opportunities, cementing flexibility as a permanent post-pandemic norm.
  • Salaries remain steady, but there’s rising pressure to offer additional wellbeing, learning, and work–life balance incentives to retain talent.

As the GRID 2025 Global Report notes, “employers are shifting from recovery to reinvention” - prioritising retention, internal mobility, and culture over rapid headcount expansion. This aligns with what we’re hearing from clients across London.

Economic and Sector Insights

While GDP growth remains modest, professional services and private equity-backed businesses continue to invest in core business functions. The Office for National Statistics reports a stabilisation in inflation and wage growth, providing a more predictable environment for long-term hires.

Recruitment agencies have also adapted; APSCo data shows a rise in employer partnerships based on strategic workforce planning rather than reactive hiring. Many firms are requesting market intelligence, benchmarking, and salary insights before committing to new hires, reflecting the more thoughtful, data-driven approach to talent acquisition in 2025.

Spotlight on Business Support, PA & EA Roles

In Bain and Gray’s specialist market — business support and executive assistance — the tone has shifted from reactive to selective. Companies are hiring with precision: looking for individuals who combine technical proficiency, emotional intelligence, and the ability to thrive in hybrid or high-growth environments.

Here’s what we’re seeing first-hand and through recent salary benchmarking:

1. Demand for senior-level EAs and hybrid operational roles

  • Executive Assistants with strategic capabilities (project management, financial oversight, team coordination) are commanding 5–10% salary premiums compared to early 2024.
  • There’s growing demand for “Chief of Staff–style” positions in private equity, tech, and family offices.

2. A competitive market for top-tier business support

  • The best PAs and Office Managers are typically in multiple processes at once.
  • Employers offering 4-day hybrid weeks, wellbeing allowances, or training budgets are securing talent faster.

3. Rising expectations from candidates

  • Candidates are looking for clarity on career progression, culture, and flexibility, not just salary.
  • Counter offers remain high, especially in London, so transparent communication and quick processes are key to securing hires.

4. Salary overview (London, 2025 average)

*Data compiled from Bain and Gray placements, client benchmarking, and APSCo data.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect in Early 2026

We anticipate a continued upward trend in recruitment through Q1 2026, particularly in financial services, private equity, and creative industries, where investment in organisational infrastructure is growing again.

However, competition for skilled support professionals will remain fierce, especially those with AI tool experience, project management skills, and hybrid work adaptability. Employers that maintain flexibility and a strong employee value proposition will have the edge.

Final Thoughts

The UK recruitment market in late 2025 is no longer about “more hiring” it’s about smarter hiring. For clients, that means combining salary benchmarking, cultural fit, and speed of process to secure the right talent.

At Bain and Gray, we’re here to help clients navigate these shifts with insight and clarity. If you’d like a bespoke salary snapshot or market insight for your business, get in touch with our team.