What's changing in recruitment? Key insights from our 2025 Salary Guide
The job market has evolved, but skilled talent (as always), remains in high demand. While hiring conditions now favour employers more than in recent years, top candidates still expect competitive packages—particularly in Engineering, Renewable Energy, Technology, Agriculture, and Law.
Published in April 2025, Pure's latest Salary Guide reveals wage growth has moderated from 8% in Autumn 2023 to a still-robust 6% average. Businesses offering below-market compensation risk missing out on the best talent, especially as candidates are taking longer to move, making efficient hiring processes and strong employer branding increasingly vital.
Key findings from our 2025 Salary Guide
Beyond Salary: What really drives candidate decisions
Today's professionals, especially at mid to senior levels, now weigh flexibility, development opportunities and workplace culture just as heavily as compensation. Our teams are regularly speaking with candidates who prioritise finding the right organisational fit over short-term financial gains. This shift is requiring employers to rethink their attraction and retention strategies beyond just competitive pay.
HR's Strategic Elevation
HR professionals across the East of England are seeing steady salary growth, with particular demand for employee relations specialists following recent legislative changes. HR teams are increasingly tasked with creating compelling employee value propositions in a competitive market. This reflects the growing recognition that effective people management directly impacts business performance.
Finance Talent Market Heats Up
The accountancy sector shows healthy salary growth throughout the region, with high-demand roles commanding above-average increases. Cambridge stands out in particular, with significant uplifts for Business Partners, Financial Controllers, and CFOs. Competition for these strategic positions remains intense. Meanwhile, demand is also rising for tax and payroll specialists, as Accountancy Practices grapple with the ongoing challenge of retaining experienced audit professionals.
Additional Market Insights:
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Professional Office roles show geographic variation – positions in Cambridgeshire and Essex consistently exceed the salaries for equivalent roles in Suffolk and Norfolk
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Digital marketing specialists in demand – particularly those with expertise in content creation, social media, analytics, and brand strategy
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Supply chain salaries up 6% – manufacturing employers especially value candidates with sector-specific experience
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Felixstowe and A14 corridor remain recruitment hotspots – with premium on digital procurement and international supply chain knowledge
Want to ensure your compensation packages are positioned to attract and retain the best talent for your specific industry and location? Our team at Pure offers personalised salary consultations to help you navigate this evolving landscape. We'll analyse how your current offerings compare to market rates and provide targeted recommendations to strengthen your position against competitors.
Contact us today to arrange your bespoke salary consultation and ensure your business remains competitive in the race for top talent.
