The UK labour market is shifting, and fast. According to the latest Pertemps CBI Labour Market Update (May 2025), while employment is rising, so are the challenges for employers, especially in specialist sectors like aviation. With wage growth slowing, vacancies declining, and economic inactivity still high, aviation businesses need to rethink how they attract and retain top talent.
At Aviation Recruitment Network, we believe these trends highlight the growing importance of working with a specialist recruitment partner. Here’s why:
1. Wage Growth Is Slowing - But Expectations Aren’t
The report shows nominal regular pay growth at 5.6%, with real-term growth at 1.8%. While this is positive, it’s a slowdown compared to previous quarters. In aviation, where skilled roles like engineers, pilots and ground crew are in high demand, candidates still expect competitive packages.
How we help: We provide market insights to help employers stay competitive without overextending budgets ensuring your offer aligns with candidate expectations and industry benchmarks.
2. Employment Is Up, But So Is Unemployment
The UK employment rate sits at 75.0%, but unemployment has ticked up to 4.5%. In aviation, this means more candidates may be available - but not necessarily with the right skills.
How we help: We filter through the noise. Our aviation-specialist recruiters understand the certifications, experience, and soft skills required for each role, ensuring only the most suitable candidates reach your desk, with a focus on transferable skills for those who have not worked in the sector before.
3. Vacancies Are Falling - Competition Is Rising
Vacancies dropped by 42,000 in the last quarter, with 761,000 roles open across the UK. This signals a more competitive hiring environment, where aviation employers must act fast to secure talent.
How we help: We maintain a live, engaged talent pool of aviation professionals, ready to deploy when you need them. Our speed and sector knowledge give you a competitive edge.
4. Economic Inactivity Remains High
With 9.23 million people aged 16–64 economically inactive, there’s a huge untapped workforce. Many of these individuals could be reskilled or re-engaged, especially in roles like customer service, baggage handling or logistics.
How we help: We run targeted outreach and return-to-work campaigns, helping aviation employers tap into this hidden talent pool.
5. Regional Trends Matter
Employment is rising in the South East, South West and East of England, but falling in the West Midlands. For aviation hubs like Heathrow, Gatwick and Birmingham, this has real implications for workforce planning.
How we help: We tailor recruitment strategies to regional labour dynamics, ensuring your hiring efforts are aligned with local talent availability.
Final Thoughts
In a labour market that’s evolving rapidly, aviation employers can’t afford to go it alone. Partnering with a specialist recruitment agency like Aviation Recruitment Network gains you access to deep industry knowledge, a ready-made talent pool and strategic hiring support.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you build a future-ready aviation workforce.