Marvin OnumonuA report by LiveCareer has revealed that workers are pessimistic about the labour market in 2025, with 58% expecting more layoffs.
The survey found that 56% of workers believed the labour market would worsen, with fewer job openings predicted by 58% of respondents.
The majority felt job searching would be harder, as noted by 61% of those surveyed.
The report highlighted concerns about a more competitive job market and a potential increase in return-to-office (RTO) mandates, with 75% expecting employers to announce such changes.
Concerns about financial stability rose, with 79% of respondents feeling salaries are not keeping up with inflation and living costs.
When considering new jobs, 76% of workers prioritised salary and benefits, followed by work-life balance at 69%, and job security at 56%.
The main concerns included cost of living versus salaries (76%), economic instability (53%), job security (49%), wage stagnation (37%), and the impact of AI and automation on jobs (30%).
Jasmine Escalera, a career expert at LiveCareer, said: “The workforce has inside knowledge of their employer’s overall financial health, stability, and are a good judge of what’s to come, for example, if layoffs are imminent.
“More than 58% of our survey respondents expect layoffs to increase this year and 56% think the overall health of the UK labour market will decline.
“We should take heed and consider this a warning for what’s to come in 2025.”
