The Rhino Report: August 2025

Welcome to the August 2025 edition of The Rhino Report, your monthly roundup of job market updates and sector news from across the UK.

As summer draws to a close, we're seeing more professionals take stock of their career goals and get ready for the busy months ahead. It's the perfect time to pause, reset, and plan your next step.

Whether you're gearing up to hire before the September rush or on the lookout for something new, this month's update has plenty of practical insights to help you make smart moves.

Talent Wants Flexibility, Not Fancy Titles

Forget ping pong tables and "Chief Fun Officer" job titles. Today's workers want something much simpler: balance. A whopping 90% of people now say work-life balance is key when picking a job – even more than salary for some groups (CV Genius).

- 71% of UK workers prioritise flexible hours (CV Genius)

- 83% would take balance over higher pay (Recruit4Talent)

- 51% would accept a pay cut for unlimited remote flexibility (Checkr Future of Work 2025)

The bottom line? If you're not offering remote or hybrid options, you're missing out on top talent. And for employers, it's not only about hiring – it's about keeping people too.

Job-hopping is cooling down, and 86% of workers now say they have a healthy work-life balance where they are (Robert Half).

Where the Jobs Still Are

The UK job market might be cooling off overall, but not everywhere and not for everyone. Some areas and sectors are quietly thriving, while others are taking a pause.

📉 Southern England has seen the biggest drop in permanent placements (KPMG & REC)

📈 The Midlands are holding steady – even showing mild gains in places (KPMG & REC)

🔧 Construction and Engineering are defying the slowdown thanks to government investment in infrastructure and housebuilding (KPMG & REC)

🩺 Healthcare continues to grow, adding 166,000 jobs in a year – more than any other sector (ONS Labour Market Overview – June 2025)

Retail, on the other hand, is having a tougher time. It saw the sharpest drop in hiring demand in June (KPMG & REC). For recruiters and job seekers alike, it's a reminder: pay attention to the where and what as much as the how much.

This Month's Insider Insight and Expert Advice

The Real Reason Top Earners Choose Commission-Only Jobs

Discover why commission-only roles are attracting Wales’ most ambitious earners, and how performance-based pay can unlock faster growth, greater freedom, and true financial control.

Click here for more.

What to Include in Your CV

Discover exactly what recruiters want to see, from personal statements to systems skills, and how to write a CV that stands out in today’s competitive job market.

Click here for more.

The 2025 Guide to Going Self-Employed in Wales

Discover how flexible roles through trusted organisations are helping people earn more, live freely, and break away from the 9 to 5.

Click here for more.

Robots in Recruitment: Friend, Not Foe?

Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic fantasy; it's in your hiring process right now. In 2025, 44% of companies are utilising AI in HR, with many expecting to implement full AI-powered recruitment soon (Hirebee.ai).

But there's a catch: many candidates are still uncomfortable with AI making hiring decisions on its own (HR Dive). Most people still want a human in the loop, especially for final interviews and offer decisions.

Some companies are now even asking candidates to disclose if their CV was AI-written (HR Dive).

Final Thoughts

Employers who adapt to what candidates truly want, balance, clarity, and purpose, will be best placed to attract and retain strong talent this autumn. For job seekers, the quieter summer months provide the perfect opportunity to reflect, refocus, and make a strategic next move.

We'll be back next month with more insights, updates, and opportunities to help you navigate what's next.

Thanks for reading The Rhino Report.