Redundancy: A Fork in the Road
Redundancy: A Fork in the Road
Redundancy is rarely easy. Whether it’s expected or comes out of the blue, it creates disruption – financially, practically, and often emotionally. But while it’s understandably a difficult moment, it can also be a useful one: an opportunity to take stock, reassess priorities, and consider the next move carefully, whether that’s stepping straight into something new, or pausing to rethink the direction altogether.
The Market Picture
Redundancy figures in the UK have been gradually rising, reflecting the broader economic pressures affecting many industries. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the number of redundancies in early 2025 reached its highest point since late 2021, with a notable uptick in Q1 across both public and private sectors.
Some of this can be attributed to ongoing inflationary pressures, cautious consumer spending, and a tighter funding landscape for businesses. Companies are having to make decisions to protect profitability, and headcount is often one of the first places they look.
However, this isn’t a universal picture. While some sectors are scaling back, others are continuing to recruit steadily or even expand.
Sectors Still Hiring
Despite the wider slowdown, there are areas of the job market showing resilience:
- Construction – While housing projects have slowed, commercial and infrastructure work continues to drive demand, particularly for skilled trades and project management.
- Healthcare and social care – Long-term understaffing means these roles remain in high demand, both in the NHS and private sector.
- Green energy and sustainability – Roles in energy efficiency, renewables, and ESG reporting are growing, partly driven by regulation.
- Logistics and supply chain – The demand for operational efficiency and online retail has kept logistics and warehousing roles buoyant.
- Professional services – Particularly in legal, accounting, and compliance, where demand is steady even in tougher economic conditions.
- IT and digital – Although tech hiring has cooled slightly, roles in cyber security, data analysis, and digital infrastructure are still essential hires.
Sectors Under Pressure
Conversely, some industries are seeing contraction:
- Retail (especially mid-market) – A combination of falling consumer confidence and rising costs has led to store closures and reduced headcounts in head office functions.
- Manufacturing – Input costs and global supply issues have continued to impact production lines, with the CBI recently reporting a steep drop in new orders.
- Creative and marketing agencies – As businesses tighten budgets, non-essential spend (including brand, PR, and design work) is often reduced.
- Hospitality – Ongoing staffing challenges and changes in consumer behaviour post-Covid mean not all parts of the sector have fully recovered.
Taking Stock or Taking Action?
For some, redundancy is a cue to re-enter the job market quickly. If the role was a good fit and the goal is to maintain momentum, moving into a similar position elsewhere can be a straightforward next step. Many employers actively seek candidates with recent, relevant experience and a readiness to start quickly.
For others, it’s an opportunity to pause. Redundancy often prompts broader questions – not just about what to do next, but why. Is it time to move into a different sector, retrain, or explore a different working pattern altogether?
This isn’t necessarily about reinvention, for many, it’s simply about choosing with more intention. And given the current emphasis on transferable skills, particularly in sectors like operations, account management, and administration, career moves across industries are becoming more viable than ever.
Final Thoughts
Redundancy doesn’t offer certainty, but it does offer a choice. Whether that’s about speed, direction, or structure, it’s an opportunity to reset. In a job market that’s changing rapidly, being flexible, informed, and open to opportunities – even outside your usual lane – can make all the difference.
And if you’re not sure what that next step looks like yet, that’s okay. The important thing is starting to explore it, in your own time, and on your own terms.
Take a look at our current vacancies, see if anything stands out!
Dovetail Recruitment are an independent Recruitment Agency in Bournemouth. Follow us to keep up to date with The South’s Job Market Report, Recruitment in Hampshire & Dorset + HR news, as well as our latest jobs, career tips + everything else related to your working world.
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