As we move into the final quarter of 2025, the UK marketing labour market is showing tentative signs of stabilisation. Insights from the KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs (compiled by S&P Global, Oct 2025), the RECโs latest commentary, and Indeed Hiring Lab Marketing data all point towards a market thatโs subdued, but far from stalled.
๐ Hiring Weakens โ But at the Slowest Rate in a Year
The latest KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs survey, revealed a further, albeit softer, decline in the recruitment of permanent staff at the end of the third quarter. Low employer confidence and cost concerns weighed on staff hiring, according to survey participants.
Vacancy data meanwhile highlighted a marked drop in demand for staff, similar to that seen in August. The sustained fall in hiring and reports of redundancies have driven a further rapid increase in candidate numbers for both permanent and temporary positions. The shift in demand and supply for workers has placed downward pressure on pay, with both permanent salaries and temp pay rates up only marginally.
๐ Indeed Data Shows Ongoing Cooling in Marketing Roles
Indeedโs Job Postings Index for Marketing roles shows UK job postings below the mid-2024 peak, indicating softer hiring intent across the sector. Demand has eased steadily through 2025 as companies consolidate teams and focus on retention rather than expansion. This mirrors the wider trend across professional roles, with cost pressures and strategic priorities shaping hiring decisions.
๐ Opportunities Still Uneven Across Roles
Graduate and early-career marketing positions continue to be affected, with fewer entry-level roles compared to pre-pandemic years. Meanwhile, mid-senior roles remain competitive, reflecting the need for specialist skills in digital, content, and brand strategy.
๐ก Flexibility and Retention Still Front of Mind
Hybrid working remains attractive, with around 15% of marketing job adverts referencing remote or hybrid options. Employers are also leaning more heavily on internal mobility and upskilling to maintain engagement, particularly as external hiring slows.
๐ก Implications for Employers
โข Retention matters more than recruitment โ focus on internal growth, flexibility, and career progression.
โข Be realistic about salary pressure โ wage growth is modest, but specialist skills remain in demand.
โข Keep flexibility visible โ hybrid and flexible options remain key to attracting top talent.
โข Watch sector trends โ while overall hiring has softened, demand persists for digital, content, and brand roles.
The marketing labour market may be subdued, but it remains resilient. For HR and People Leaders in marketing-focused businesses, this period offers the opportunity to strengthen teams, invest in skills, and prepare for growth when confidence returns.
Sources:
โข KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs โ October 2025 (compiled by S&P Global)
โข REC Labour Market Commentary โ October 2025
โข Indeed Hiring Lab โ Marketing Job Postings Index (October 2025)