UK Outplacement 2025 Trends: What Do Candidates Want?

The current uncertain economic conditions and the rapid changes that tech advances have brought to the job market is being reflected in how employees are perceiving their current job security and their future employability.

This is particularly evident in those whose role has been made redundant, and they are actively using outplacement services to transition in their career quickly and effectively. The following trends highlight some of the areas we are seeing an increase in demand from outplacement candidates.

Impact of AI on Job Search

AI is revolutionising the job search process in terms of how job seekers optimise their CV, search for jobs, and also how employers review and filter potential candidates. More outplacement candidates are expecting to see AI functionality in the support they receive, with solutions such as LHH’s Career Studio, underpinned by AI data intelligence to provide personalised career paths, search recommendations and optimised CV recommendations.

Incorporating AI into outplacement provision provides candidates with a more bespoke service with personalised career recommendations, real-time feedback on applications, and identifying transferable skills more easily. This allows for more time to connect with human coaches to provide a greater level of strategic and emotional support. This balanced integration helps candidates find suitable job opportunities more efficiently and enhances their overall job search experience.

Increased Demand for Reskilling and Upskilling

More outplacement candidates are taking the opportunity of a career break to reassess the future skills they may need and how they can build on their existing experience and knowledge. With AI creating thousands of new opportunities, future looking professionals are utilising the services and support that outplacement offers them to take ownership of their career.

Outplacement candidates are seeking tailored guidance to identify transferable skills and build future skill resilience. This is helping them to adapt to the changing job market, ensuring they remain competitive and making them more attractive to new job opportunities.

Need for Personalised Career Coaching

We know that outplacement candidates gain more value from outplacement services when support is tailored specifically to their needs, as no individual career is the same. This tailored approach matters, especially since recent research shows that 59% of workers want to develop new skills to advance their careers but feel unsure about the direction they should take.

As the working landscape evolves, more people are looking at a non-linear career path which requires further personalisation, and we are seeing more requests for career coaching to help them clearly identify their strengths and connect them to roles that meet their needs, ultimately leading to more fulfilling careers.

Well-Being, Mental Health, and Resilience Support

Losing a job often feels like an emotional rollercoaster, leaving people stressed, uncertain, and in need of genuine support and someone to talk to. Effective outplacement services put this human experience first, providing not only professional guidance but also emotional support, mental health resources, financial advice, and tools to manage work-life balance.

The ability to talk to someone when they need it most is one of the most valuable resources that outplacement candidates do not naturally ask for, most appreciate it the most when used. This holistic approach helps individuals cope better emotionally, stay resilient, and remain focused during their job search, making the journey to their next role easier and less overwhelming.

Access to the Hidden Job Market and Networking Opportunities

With the number of open vacancies falling in 2025, candidates are looking to maximise the opportunities that their networks may offer. Outplacement solutions relating to network building has grown over the last 12 months as job seekers seek support in building and leveraging their networks, including attending industry events and using LinkedIn effectively.

By building connections through professional networks, they can also open up access to unadvertised roles and hidden job markets to increase their job prospects.