The UK Defence & Security market just had its biggest surge in three years. If you've been waiting for the right moment to make a move, this is it.
The Numbers Don't Lie
October 2025 saw advertised vacancies jump 31% in a single month. That's not a typo. It's the biggest single-month spike since September 2022, and it's over six times larger than the usual seasonal bump.
BAE? Up 67%. Airbus? A staggering 406% increase.
After 18 months of holding steady, the Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy have unlocked funding and confidence. Hiring momentum is back, and it's building fast.
What This Actually Means for You
More roles. More choice. More competition.
The market's heating up, which means top candidates like you are about to have options. Plural. But here's the thing: when everyone's hiring and skills are still scarce, the prepared win.
That means knowing your value. Understanding what roles actually pay. Being sharp on interview prep. And staying ahead of the curve while others are still figuring out there's a curve.
We've Got the Inside Track
Our Defence & Security Candidate Insights – Winter 2025 report breaks down exactly what's happening right now and what it means for your next move.
Here's what's inside:
- Salary Spotlight
Pay trends are shifting, especially for cleared and in-demand skillsets. Where does your role sit in the current market? You might be surprised.
- Contractor Rates & IR35
The contracting landscape keeps evolving. Rates vary wildly depending on skills, clearance, and how organisations handle IR35. If you're contracting or considering it, you need to see this.
- Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Defence is opening up. Slowly, but meaningfully. Find out which organisations are leading the charge and what that means if you're from a non-traditional background.
- Market At a Glance
Demand is rising across cyber, defence tech, intelligence support, and cleared technical roles. We'll show you exactly where the opportunities are emerging and where they're heading next.
The People Who Move First, Move Best
We work with thousands of Defence & Security professionals every year. MoD, Tier 1 suppliers, systems integrators, SMEs, consultancies, start-ups. Land, sea, air, cyber. Glasgow to Plymouth. Engineering to commercial.
We don't just track the market. We know who's recruiting and what rates they're offering
The insight? It's all in the report.
Get It First
Sign up now and we'll send the full Defence & Security Candidate Insights – Winter 2025 straight to your inbox.
No fluff. No filler. Just the intelligence you need to make smarter decisions about your career in 2026.
And if you're actively looking right now? Let us know. We're already ahead.
Questions? Want to talk through your next move? Our Defence & Security team is 40+ specialists deep. We live and breathe this market every day, and we're here to help.
