Ready for a Pay‑Peach? 40% of UK Professionals are Hunting for a Better Bag
According to a recent Tiger Recruitment study, four in ten UK workers are already lining up their next moves, hoping to snag a higher paycheck within the next twelve months.
Salary, Salary, Salary
- Only 51% of survey participants got a raise in 2023.
- Just 19% saw their salary climb in line with inflation—talk about a slow train.
- People who missed a raise are most likely to switch jobs.
Side Hustles for the Masses
Half of the respondents have either added a second job or taken on freelance gigs, with an additional 28% of them tossing the idea up in their heads.
Even high‑earners aren’t exempt—one in five folks earning over £50,000 are juggling extra work to keep the lights on.
No Help? Hate It!
Out of the crowd that’s chasing extra income, 42% report their employers haven’t lent a hand when living costs spiked.
Typical employer perks include:
- Pay rise for everyone – 26%
- More flexible remote work – 14%
- One‑off cost‑of‑living bonus – 14%
What Workers Really Want
Salary remains the top priority for 82% of job‑seekers. But work‑life balance has nudged up from third to second place—yes, we’re still craving that sweet spot between work and chill. Benefits have surged to the third spot, yet a mere 15% are happy with what they’re getting.
CEO’s Take
David Morel, CEO of Tiger Recruitment, notes: “In a shaky market, a lot of people feel the only way to keep their wallets fat is by switching gigs or taking on extra work.”
He warns that as year‑end reviews loom, many employees expect a raise. If employers miss the mark, there could be a big swell of talent departures. “A quick fix? Offer softer perks and bolster work‑life balance. That can keep people loyal, even if the salary bump isn’t on the table right now.”
Stay in the Loop
Want the latest scoop on job‑market trends? Subscribe now and receive real‑time updates straight to your device.
