November 2025 UK Labour Market Report: Engineering & Tech Roles Defy Economic Slowdown

Stay informed with the latest insights into the evolving UK employment landscape, courtesy of the KPMG & REC ‘UK Report on Jobs’ – October 2025. Compiled by S&P Global, this authoritative monthly report provides real-time analysis of national hiring trends. In partnership with leading recruitment consultancies, including Redline Group, it offers vital intelligence for employers and professionals navigating a dynamic labour market.

While national indicators point to a cautious economic backdrop, the technology and engineering sectors continue to display resilience, signalling ongoing demand, growth potential, and strategic opportunities for employers.

Key Highlights: October 2025 UK Job Report

Engineering and Technology Remain in Demand

Despite broader economic slowdowns:

• Engineering and technology-driven roles continue to attract hiring investment, particularly in leadership and specialist positions.
• Contract and temporary hiring is stabilising, with billings rising for the first time in 16 months, reflecting flexible resourcing models across engineering and manufacturing teams.
• Permanent placements have softened, but securing top talent remains competitive, highlighting the importance of decisive recruitment processes.

Candidate Availability

• The supply of permanent and temporary candidates has risen for the 32nd consecutive month, giving employers access to skills that have historically been scarce.
• This increase is driven by redundancies and reduced hiring opportunities elsewhere, creating a unique opportunity for organisations to attract high-quality talent.

Salaries and Pay Trends

• Permanent starting salaries are increasing marginally, remaining below long-term averages.
• Temporary and contract pay is largely flat, allowing employers to plan sustainable, competitive hiring strategies.

High-Demand Roles – Technology and Electronics

Employers are actively seeking professionals in:

• Electronics Design Engineering
• Technical Sales (Electronics)
• Automation & Embedded Software
• Defence and high-reliability sector technologists

These roles reflect continued investment in innovation, automation, and high-tech product development, as organisations prioritise long-term strategy and growth.

Global and UK Market Context – J.P. Morgan Global Manufacturing PMI®

• Global manufacturing continued its upturn in October, with production and new orders rising for the third consecutive month.
• The UK returned to expansion after 11 months of contraction, signalling renewed confidence.
• UK Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) is projected to grow at a 5% CAGR through 2026, underpinned by strong underlying demand.

Redline’s Market Experience

Despite softer national economic indicators, Redline continues to observe strong and growing activity:

• Companies investing in technology and engineering talent are demonstrating a clear commitment to long-term growth, even in a cautious market.

Outlook – Strategic Opportunities for Employers and Professionals

• Rising candidate availability provides access to highly skilled talent across engineering, electronics, and development roles.
• Easing salary pressures supports sustainable, competitive hiring practices.
• Structured recruitment and quick decision-making are essential to secure high-calibre candidates before they move to more agile competitors.

Partner with Redline Group – Experts in Engineering and Technology Recruitment

At Redline Group, we help organisations identify and secure the right talent at the right time, building high-performing teams for technology and engineering businesses. With decades of experience in Electronics, Engineering, and High Technology recruitment, we provide expert solutions across Contract, Permanent, and Executive roles.

Contact Redline Group today for bespoke recruitment advice or to discover how we can help future-proof your hiring strategy: info@redlinegroup.com | 01582 450054